Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government is intensifying efforts to combat telecommunications and internet fraud by tightening legal frameworks and increasing criminal prosecution, aiming to dismantle the operational foundations of such crimes [1][2]. Group 1: Legal Framework and Criminal Prosecution - The Supreme People's Court, the Supreme People's Procuratorate, and the Ministry of Public Security jointly issued new opinions to strengthen the criminal legal framework against aiding information network crimes [1]. - Since 2020, the number of first-instance cases related to aiding crimes has been increasing, with over 100,000 cases concluded in 2023 [1]. - The new opinions consist of 16 articles that clarify the legal definitions and standards for recognizing aiding crimes, particularly concerning the misuse of phone and bank cards [1]. Group 2: Criminal Activity and Law Enforcement Actions - The characteristics of aiding crimes have become more professional and cross-border, necessitating a robust crackdown [1]. - The Ministry of Public Security reported that 780,000 "card-cutting" leads were issued this year, resulting in the investigation of 230,000 suspects and the dismantling of over 5,500 illegal card issuance groups [2]. - A total of 170,000 illegal phone and bank cards were confiscated, and 23 insiders from banks and telecom operators were arrested [2].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights the increasing trend of low-age, low-education, and low-income individuals involved in telecom fraud, with over 80% of defendants being under 35 years old and one-third being under 25 years old [1] Group 2 - The Supreme People's Court emphasizes the exploitation of minors and students by criminal gangs, who take advantage of their inexperience and lack of self-protection skills to engage them in illegal activities such as renting out phone cards and participating in money laundering [2] - The newly issued guidelines propose lenient treatment for minors and students involved in such crimes, advocating for education and rehabilitation rather than punishment, particularly for those with minor offenses [2] - The guidelines also stress the importance of legal education and collaboration with educational institutions to manage and educate minors and students effectively [2] Group 3 - It is crucial to note that leniency for minors and students does not equate to a lack of accountability, and there will be a focus on thoroughly investigating and punishing those who exploit these vulnerable groups for criminal activities [3]

Core Viewpoint - The rise of telecom network fraud and related crimes has led to an increase in associated crimes that support and facilitate these fraudulent activities, with the crime of aiding information network criminal activities (referred to as "aiding crime") being the most prevalent and complex type of crime [1] Group 1: Characteristics of Aiding Crimes - Aiding crimes are increasingly organized and professional, as demonstrated by cases where individuals set up "studios" to illegally provide technical assistance for fraud, such as unblocking internet accounts and fake registrations [2] - New types of aiding crimes exhibit stronger technical and covert characteristics, with cases involving advanced communication technology that supports telecom fraud, highlighting the need for stringent legal action against such crimes [3] - The interconnected nature of new information network crimes has led to a large-scale black and gray industrial chain, necessitating comprehensive legal action against both telecom fraud and its associated crimes [3] Group 2: Legal and Policy Approaches - The approach to combating aiding and related crimes is systematic, focusing on severe punishment for organized and professional criminal activities while also differentiating treatment for less severe offenders, particularly minors and students [4] - The implementation of a lenient policy for certain offenders, such as students involved in aiding crimes, emphasizes education and rehabilitation, with legal actions taken to prevent recidivism [4] - Future efforts by the judiciary and law enforcement will focus on intensifying the crackdown on aiding crimes and enhancing comprehensive governance to ensure network security and public safety [4]

Core Viewpoint - The Supreme People's Court, along with the Supreme People's Procuratorate and the Ministry of Public Security, has officially released opinions on handling criminal cases related to aiding information network crimes, highlighting the concerning trends in the demographics of defendants involved in such crimes [1] Group 1: Demographic Trends - There is a notable trend of younger, less educated, and lower-income individuals being involved in aiding crimes, characterized by the "three lows and one high" phenomenon [1] - Over 80% of defendants are under the age of 35, with one-third being under 25 years old [1] - The involvement of minors and students in criminal activities is particularly alarming, as they are often exploited by criminal organizations [1] Group 2: Criminal Exploitation - Criminal gangs are taking advantage of the naivety and lack of legal awareness among minors and students, enticing them to sell or rent their phone cards and bank cards [1] - Some minors and students are being developed into "card heads" by these criminal groups, which poses significant social risks [1]