Police crack down on organized gambling, prostitution

Chinese police will start a crackdown on gambling and prostitution, focusing on gangs that offer protection for such illegal activities, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

"The action is aimed at criminals organizing, forcing, alluring, harboring and introducing women for prostitution as well as groups operating and providing an 'umbrella' for gambling activities," the ministry statement said on Wednesday.

Key venues for the crackdown include clubs, bath houses, massage parlors and Internet cafes, it said, without specifying when the campaign will start or how long it will last.

The ministry urged police ensure culprits receive due punishment and concerned venues correct their businesses, warning that officers who fail to fulfil their duties to stem gambling and prostitution in their jurisdictions will be held accountable.

The statement noted that police officers who take part in gambling and prostitution or protecting violators by informing them of planned raids beforehand will be dismissed, underlining the underhand ties between some gangs and officers. Endi