Recently, the cybersecurity department of Quanzhou Public Security in Fujian Province successfully cracked a new type of cybercrime involving illegal “file searches” and the production of false certification materials during the “Clean Internet-2025” campaign. Five suspects were arrested, and a batch of citizens’ personal information and fake household registration documents were seized on-site. This operation dismantled a black industry chain that involved illegally obtaining and trading citizens’ personal information, as well as forging and altering official documents and seals of state authorities, effectively safeguarding the public’s personal information security.

Case Details

In July 2025, the cybersecurity department in Jinjiang, Quanzhou, discovered through their work that individuals within their jurisdiction were taking numerous orders via online social platforms. They used illegal methods to obtain citizens’ personal information and then produced household registration certificates bearing the seal of a local police station in Jinjiang, which they sold for profit.

Investigations revealed that the suspects connected with intermediaries offering “legal consultation services” online, claiming to provide citizens’ personal information searches and issue household registration certificates. Based on the demands of downstream clients, they illegally acquired citizens’ personal information and used AI software to generate fake household registration documents stamped with official seals, which they then sold for profit.

After thorough investigation and obtaining key information about the entire criminal gang—including its organizational structure, division of roles, hideout locations, and primary technical methods—the cybersecurity department of Quanzhou, Fujian, organized a team of officers to carry out arrests in multiple locations. Five suspects, including Jiang, were apprehended, two operational hideouts were dismantled, and the involved amount reached millions of yuan.

The case is still under further investigation.

Cybersecurity Reminder

Article 253-1 of the Criminal Law stipulates: Violating state regulations by selling or providing citizens’ personal information to others, if the circumstances are serious, shall be punished by up to three years of fixed-term imprisonment or criminal detention, and/or a fine; if the circumstances are especially serious, the punishment shall be between three and seven years of fixed-term imprisonment and a fine.

Article 280 of the Criminal Law stipulates: Forging, altering, buying, or selling official documents, certificates, or seals of state authorities shall be punished by up to three years of fixed-term imprisonment, criminal detention, control, or deprivation of political rights, and a fine; if the circumstances are serious, the punishment shall be between three and ten years of fixed-term imprisonment and a fine.

Additionally, buying, selling, or using forged or altered official documents, certificates, or certification documents of state authorities, people’s organizations, enterprises, institutions, or other organizations will violate Article 52 of the Public Security Administration Punishment Law, resulting in detention of five to ten days and a fine of up to 500 yuan; if the circumstances are serious, detention of ten to fifteen days and a fine of up to 1,000 yuan may be imposed.

Quanzhou

Quanzhou is a historic port city in China’s Fujian province that served as a major maritime hub along the ancient Maritime Silk Road, particularly during the Song and Yuan dynasties. Its significance as a center for global trade and cultural exchange is reflected in its diverse religious sites, including ancient mosques and Buddhist temples. Due to this rich history, Quanzhou was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2021.

Fujian Province

Fujian Province, located on China’s southeastern coast, has a long maritime history as a key hub for trade and cultural exchange, particularly through its historic ports like Quanzhou, a major terminus of the ancient Maritime Silk Road. Its unique culture is exemplified by the Hakka Tulou, massive earthen communal residences built between the 12th and 20th centuries, which are now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, Fujian is a dynamic economic zone known for its tea production (notably oolong tea), its distinct Min Chinese language group, and as a ancestral homeland for many overseas Chinese.

Clean Internet-2025

“Clean Internet-2025” is not a physical place or a historical cultural site, but a proposed regulatory initiative in Russia. Announced in 2019, its stated goal is to create a sovereign and “clean” national internet infrastructure by 2025, which would be independent of global root servers and allow for greater state control over online information. The initiative is part of a broader digital sovereignty policy, though it has raised significant concerns about internet censorship and isolation.

Jinjiang

Jinjiang is a coastal county-level city in Fujian Province, China, with a history dating back over a thousand years. It is historically significant as the origin of many overseas Chinese, particularly those who migrated to the Philippines. The city is also known for its strong private sector economy and as the home of major brands like Anta Sports.

Criminal Law

“Criminal Law” is not a physical place or cultural site, but a system of laws that defines criminal offenses and the penalties for those found guilty. Its history is ancient, with early written codes like the Code of Hammurabi establishing punishments for specific wrongdoings. Modern criminal law systems have evolved to include principles like the presumption of innocence and are fundamental to maintaining order in societies worldwide.

Public Security Administration Punishment Law

The Public Security Administration Punishment Law is a Chinese legal code that outlines administrative penalties for minor offenses that do not constitute crimes. First introduced in 1957 and subsequently revised, it grants public security organs the authority to impose fines, warnings, and administrative detention for a wide range of public order infractions. It serves as a fundamental tool for maintaining social order and regulating daily public conduct in China.