Core Viewpoint - The Supreme People's Court, the Supreme People's Procuratorate, and the Ministry of Public Security have issued guidelines to combat information network crimes, particularly focusing on organized, professional, and cross-border assistance in such crimes, emphasizing strict penalties for key offenders [1][2]. Group 1: Trends in Cybercrime - Since 2020, the number of cases related to assistance in information network crimes has been increasing, with over 100,000 cases reported in 2023, despite a significant decrease in the first half of 2024 compared to previous years [1]. - The rise in cases involving "two cards" (bank cards used for illicit activities) has also been noted, indicating a persistent high level of related criminal activity [1]. Group 2: Characteristics of Offenders - Current offenders in assistance crimes exhibit a "three lows and one high" profile: low age, low education, low income, and a high proportion of first-time offenders, with over 80% of defendants under 35 years old and one-third under 25 [2]. - There is a notable issue with minors and students being involved in these crimes, raising significant social concerns [2]. Group 3: Legal Framework and Enforcement - The guidelines clarify the criteria for determining whether an individual knowingly assisted in a crime, emphasizing the need to assess the severity of the crime and the involvement of the accused [3]. - The guidelines advocate for a balanced approach in enforcement, suggesting leniency for minors and those at the lower end of the criminal chain while ensuring strict penalties for serious offenders [3]. - Collaboration among various governmental departments is encouraged to enhance the comprehensive governance of information network crimes, focusing on both prevention and punishment [3].

Core Viewpoint - A significant investment fraud scheme has emerged, involving multiple victims across Jiangsu, Jiangxi, and Guangdong, where individuals lost over 400,000 yuan in gold investments through a fraudulent investment app that became inaccessible after the gold was supposedly signed for [1][6]. Group 1: Fraud Mechanism - Victims were lured into a fraudulent investment scheme through a WeChat stock trading group, where they were promised high returns by a supposed expert [2][3]. - The scheme involved purchasing gold as a form of "physical deposit" to bypass investment limits, with victims instructed to send the gold to a designated address [3][4]. - Once the gold was sent, victims' accounts showed inflated balances, but access was restricted, leading to further demands for more gold purchases to "unfreeze" accounts [3][6]. Group 2: Criminal Operations - The criminal operation involved a network of individuals, including a key figure named Huang, who coordinated the collection and transfer of gold from victims [4][5]. - The operation utilized a method of disguising the transfer of funds by converting them into gold, which was then physically moved to evade law enforcement [7][8]. - Evidence collection focused on the logistics of gold purchasing, shipping, and signing for deliveries, which was crucial for prosecuting the involved parties [7][8]. Group 3: Legal Proceedings - The case has led to the prosecution of individuals involved in the scheme, with Huang receiving a sentence of two years and three months, along with a fine of 12,000 yuan [8]. - Ongoing investigations are targeting additional accomplices and the mastermind behind the scheme, indicating a broader network of fraud [8].