In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, Chinese cybersecurity authorities have dismantled an online extortion network involving so-called “internet water army” operatives. The operation, led by the Ministry of Public Security’s cyber unit, resulted in the arrest of 15 suspects and the seizure of over 20 devices, marking a comprehensive takedown of criminal activities targeting businesses through online extortion.
The Modus Operandi
The “internet water army” – a term describing paid online commenters – primarily used cyber blackmail as their main criminal tool, according to the police statement released via WeChat. In one reported case from Laizhou, Shandong Province, a company received a call from someone claiming to be a journalist from an unnamed publication, demanding 5,000 yuan ($694) under threat of exposing false environmental violations.
Investigation Outcomes
Following the report, local police launched an investigation that exposed an organized criminal gang operating across different locations. Gang members would first post defamatory content about businesses online, then contact the affected companies, posing as public relations professionals offering positive coverage – contingent on payment.
The gang, led by Chen and Wei, had been operating since 2022 using a consistent pattern: impersonating media workers to threaten businesses with information exposure unless paid off. Their actions not only disrupted normal business operations but also undermined social order through systematic extortion.
Legal Implications
Authorities clarified that under Chinese law, threatening to publish or delete online information to obtain money constitutes extortion if significant sums are involved or if the behavior is repeated. This legal framework forms the basis for prosecuting these types of cybercriminals.
Broader Regulatory Action
This case aligns with a broader campaign initiated by China’s top internet regulator, which recently launched a two-month nationwide operation against online defamation, extortion, and malicious marketing targeting businesses. The campaign specifically aims to address the issue of “black mouths” – online accounts or influencers who spread false information for financial gain.
Key focuses of this regulatory push include targeting fabricated claims about product quality and financial status, as well as the practice of demanding “deletion” or “public relations” fees to remove harmful content. As part of this comprehensive effort, internet platforms are being urged to enhance content moderation, improve complaint handling procedures, and take more responsibility for preventing online abuse.
Through these coordinated efforts, Chinese authorities aim to create a more orderly, credible, and law-compliant online environment supportive of healthy business development.
