N. China online ‘black market’ crimes rampant

Shijiazhuang (CNS) -- The provincial public security authority of Hebei Province briefed the media on Monday regarding the progressive success of its special action against the online black market.

Crimes with the help of the modern technology have been increasing and expanding beyond China's borders in recent years, the authority confirmed. Firearm and drug crimes have gone rampant in particular.

Initiated in November 2011, the initiative has deleted 16,000 online messages containing illegal information, and 19 suspects responsible for the postings have been caught so far.

Their targets include purveyors of 18 dangerous and illegal objects, such as firearms, explosives, crossbows, and controlled knives - those for which sellers have to apply for authorization.

The special act will last until November 2012, in cooperation with the criminal investigation office. The two departments have successfully cracked down on an online shop selling illegal weapon parts in early March.