Telecom fraud losses fall in Beijing as police step up crackdown

Beijing recorded a sharp decline in reports of telecom fraud and related financial losses in 2025, while posting significant increases in case resolutions and detentions, the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau said on Monday.

Li Xiaoyan, an official with the bureau's criminal investigation department, told a news conference that Beijing police made combating telecom fraud a priority in 2025, achieving one of the highest rates nationwide for returning defrauded funds to victims through more efficient case handling.

Li said police launched more than 30 nationwide and citywide coordinated operations targeting telecom fraud, dismantling more than 180 criminal gang hideouts.

"We targeted individuals returning from fraud-related activities as the most direct means of combating overseas operations, resulting in the arrest of more than 600 returnees and creating a strong deterrent effect," she said.

Police also carried out a special campaign in 2025 targeting the offline transfer of fraud-related funds, dismantling more than 100 vehicle fleets and placing nearly 700 suspects under criminal detention, Li said. Authorities intercepted more than 60 million yuan ($8.6 million) in fraud-related funds and seized 16 kilograms of gold.

To address telecom fraud at its source, Li said Beijing police strengthened cooperation with telecommunications, financial, banking and internet sectors, stepping up regulation of phone cards, apps and online accounts linked to fraudulent activity.

"In 2025, we conducted more than 200 joint discussions with internet companies facing regulatory issues and intercepted more than 2.1 million scam calls, maximizing pressure on criminal operations and limiting their space to operate," she said.

Police have also expanded legal education efforts in residential communities and on school campuses to raise public awareness and help residents recognize and avoid potential scams, Li added.