The official websites of Party, government, and corporate entities serve as vital platforms for information disclosure and public services, as well as trusted, authoritative sources and channels for citizens. Some individuals, driven by illegal profit, create counterfeit websites that mimic official ones to engage in various criminal activities, including false certifications, manufacturing and selling fake documents, online fraud, and stealing personal information. These actions severely disrupt public order and infringe upon the legitimate rights and interests of the people. The cyber security departments of public security organs maintain a consistently high-pressure and strict stance against such crimes, having investigated and handled a series of cases involving the illegal use of information networks to set up counterfeit websites. Today, the Cyber Security Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security disclosed five typical cases of counterfeit website-related crimes.
Case 1: Gansu Wuwei Public Security Organs Crack Zhao et al. Illegal Use of Information Network Case
The cyber security department of the Gansu Wuwei public security organs determined that Zhao (male, 26) commissioned Lu (male, 38) to establish counterfeit academic credential verification websites, providing online verification services for fake diplomas and certificates for profit. In March 2026, the Gansu Wuwei public security organs apprehended Zhao and Lu. The investigation revealed they had established and operated 18 counterfeit websites and produced 2,406 fake degree certificates, graduation diplomas, and similar documents.
Case 2: Hebei Shijiazhuang Public Security Organs Crack Zhang et al. Illegal Use of Information Network Case
The cyber security department of the Hebei Shijiazhuang public security organs determined that Zhang (male, 32) conspired with others to establish a counterfeit website impersonating a ministry's personnel examination portal, manufacturing and selling fake professional qualification certificates for profit. In March 2026, the Hebei Shijiazhuang public security organs apprehended Zhang and three other individuals. The investigation revealed they had established and operated one counterfeit website and produced 256 fake professional qualification certificates.
Case 3: Shanxi Linfen Public Security Organs Crack Cui Illegal Use of Information Network Case
The cyber security department of the Shanxi Linfen public security organs determined that Cui (male, 33) established a counterfeit private education website to provide online verification services for fake academic credentials for profit. In March 2026, the Shanxi Linfen public security organs apprehended Cui. The investigation revealed he had established and operated one counterfeit website and produced 72 fake academic certificates.
Case 4: Gansu Linxia Public Security Organs Crack Yuan et al. Illegal Use of Information Network Case
The cyber security department of the Gansu Linxia public security organs determined that a criminal gang led by Yuan (male, 45) established a counterfeit education and training website to manufacture and sell fake academic and degree certificates for profit. In March 2026, the Gansu Linxia public security organs apprehended Yuan and three other individuals. The investigation revealed they had produced 4,125 fake academic certificates and forged 5,976 seals.
Case 5: Fujian Xiamen Public Security Organs Crack Chen Illegal Use of Information Network Case
The cyber security department of the Fujian Xiamen public security organs determined that Chen (male, 35), while aware that others were engaged in tax-related illegal activities, still built a counterfeit tax authority website for them. In May 2026, the Fujian Xiamen public security organs apprehended Chen. The investigation revealed he had established and operated one counterfeit website.
The individuals involved in the above five cases have all been subjected to criminal coercive measures by the public security organs in accordance with the law, and the cases are under further investigation.
Legal Interpretation
The internet is not a lawless space, and counterfeiting and fraud will be severely punished! Public security organs will continue to crack down on counterfeit website crimes in accordance with the law. Establishing counterfeit websites to commit crimes is suspected of violating Article 287-1 of the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China, constituting the crime of illegal use of information networks. Knowingly providing internet access, server hosting, network storage, communication transmission, or other technical support for others establishing or operating counterfeit websites to commit crimes is suspected of violating Article 287-2 of the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China, constituting the crime of aiding information network criminal activities. According to Articles 48 and 68 of the Cybersecurity Law of the People's Republic of China, individuals and organizations are responsible for their online activities. They must not establish websites or communication groups for committing fraud, teaching criminal methods, producing or selling prohibited or controlled items, nor use networks to disseminate information related to such illegal activities. Violations not constituting a crime shall be subject to detention for up to five days and/or a fine between 10,000 and 100,000 RMB by public security organs; for more serious circumstances, detention between five and fifteen days and/or a fine between 50,000 and 500,000 RMB may be imposed. Websites or communication groups used for illegal activities shall be shut down.
Cyber Police Reminder
Applying for, purchasing, or using forged or altered official documents, certificates, evidentiary documents, or seals of state organs, people's organizations, enterprises, institutions, or other organizations violates the Public Security Administration Punishments Law. Such actions severely disrupt public order and damage the social integrity system and fairness. Individuals involved in producing, purchasing, or using fakes may face administrative penalties like detention or fines; for serious cases, criminal liability will be pursued according to law, causing irreversible negative impacts on personal employment, travel, credit, and long-term development. The public is reminded to abandon any sense of luck, strictly adhere to the legal bottom line, and consciously resist the trade and use of fake certificates.
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