Investigations Uncover Widespread Crimes in China's Food, Medicine, and Environment Sectors

In 2024, the Ministry of Public Security of China reported investigating around 91,000 criminal cases concerning food and medical safety, intellectual property rights, and environmental issues. This action is part of ongoing efforts to address serious crimes, particularly those relating to the illegal appropriation and destruction of farmland, which notably affects black soil, as well as the distribution of counterfeit agricultural products such as seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers.

The ministry highlighted several significant cases, including one in which local authorities in Fushun, located in Northeast Liaoning province, arrested 16 individuals for illegally mining over 7,700 cubic meters of black soil peat for sale in other regions back in April. In Zibo, Shandong province, police took down three groups involved in the manufacture and sale of fake pesticides in May, leading to the confiscation of over 730 metric tons of these counterfeit products.

As a response to public demand for enhanced food safety, the Ministry initiated targeted campaigns in 2024 aimed at identifying and addressing violations in food production and sales, particularly concerning meat and oil. A specific initiative was launched in April by four government agencies, including the Ministry of Public Security, concentrating on illegal meat production and distribution.

By November's end, this campaign resulted in the resolution of over 2,400 criminal cases and the arrest of more than 6,000 suspects. Investigations into more than 2,700 incidents involving meat that was untraceable or uninspected, as well as over 1,000 cases concerning fake meat products, were reported by the State Administration for Market Regulation.

Throughout the past year, law enforcement also intensified efforts against counterfeit products vital to public safety, including firefighting tools, gas appliances, construction materials, and electric bicycles. Additionally, operations were conducted to address environmental offenses in critical areas, such as national parks and major rivers, targeting activities like illegal mining of rare earth elements, damage to ancient trees, and unlawful hunting practices.

Looking ahead, the Ministry of Public Security has indicated that it will maintain a stringent focus on offenses related to food safety, environmental protection, and intellectual property rights, continuing special campaigns into the following year.