China Aims to Crack Down on Crypto Crimes in Metaverse and Blockchain Ecosystem

The Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) of China is targeting cybercriminals using blockchain and metaverse platforms for illegal activities amid rising online fraud and personal data infringement.

Deputy prosecutor-general Ge Xiaoyan reported a 64% year-on-year increase in cybercrime-related telecom fraud charges. While blockchain crimes are rising, traditional offenses like gambling and counterfeiting have also expanded into cyberspace. Charges for internet theft rose 23% while online counterfeiting surged 86%.

Between January and November, prosecutors pressed charges against 280,000 individuals in cybercrime cases, up 36% versus last year and constituting 19% of all criminal offenses.

Zhang Xiaojin, director of the SPP’s Fourth Procuratorate, warned citizens about investment scams in crypto, noting the rise of crimes using metaverse, blockchain and binary options platforms. He said digital currencies have become hotspots for illicit activities.

China’s crackdown on crypto crimes differs from Hong Kong’s crypto-friendly regulations that aim to protect investors without stifling innovation. The People’s Bank of China stressed the need for coordinated global crypto regulation in its latest report.

In 2021, China officially banned crypto transactions and mining but remains a major mining hub despite the crackdown. The SPP aims to strengthen inter-departmental coordination in curtailing crypto adoption and cybercrimes involving digital assets.