On July 26, the Supreme People's Court (SPC) and two other departments released the Opinions on Several Issues Concerning the Application of Law in the Handling of Cross-border Telecom and Online Fraud and Other Criminal Cases (the "Opinions").

The Opinions stipulate the overall requirements, application of laws, and procedural regulations, among others, with highlights in four areas: (1) adhering to an overall strict approach to demonstrate a stance of severe punishment; (2) maintaining a problem-oriented approach to address practical needs; (3) ensuring lawful crackdowns to prevent wrongful accusations and leniency; and (4) strengthening the recovery of illicit gains and the protection of property rights. The Opinions identify four key areas where punishment shall be imposed: legally targeting criminal groups and their organizers, planners, leaders, and key members; launching a crackdown on organizations that shelter cross-border telecom and online fraud and other criminal activities; focusing on the crimes committed by criminal groups such as intentional homicide, intentional injury, kidnapping, rape, forced prostitution, and illegal detention; and combating the criminal activities of organizing and transporting individuals to illegally cross borders (frontiers) for the recruitment of criminal groups involved in cross-border telecom and online fraud.

(Source: Supreme People’s Procuratorate)