High pressure on organized crime persists

Authorities target rural clans, activities online and shelter from judicial officials

Nationwide prosecutorial authorities kept up the high pressure on organized crime last year, prosecuting 14,902 individuals, a 5.2 percent year-on-year increase, according to a white paper issued by the Supreme People's Procuratorate.

The white paper on criminal prosecution work for 2023, issued on March 9, highlighted that procuratorates have prioritized major crimes and specific areas, actively participating in operations targeting online organized crime. Among these cases, 2,972 individuals were associated with mafia-like underworld criminal groups, while 11,930 individuals were involved in gang-related crimes.

Additionally, rural clans, the erosion of grassroots political power by organized crime, and the exploitation of minors in criminal activities were strictly addressed. A total of 1,509 individuals involved in rural organized crime and clans were prosecuted.