China’s Ministry of Public Security Warns of Crypto Laundering in Fraud Targeting Minors

According to China’s Ministry of Public Security, scammers target minors through games and social platforms, steal family funds, and use virtual currency for cross-border laundering while posing as police online.

Summary

China’s Ministry of Public Security warned of a new fraud chain targeting minors that combines online games, social platforms, fake police claims, and virtual currency laundering. According to the ministry, scammers deceive children into accessing family funds, then split the stolen cash and buy crypto to move money across borders. Authorities also stressed that police do not handle cases online and never ask for passwords or verification codes, highlighting a common impersonation tactic used in the schemes.

Terms & Concepts
  • Virtual currency: A digital form of value used for transfers or payments, including crypto assets that can move funds across borders.
  • Laundering: The process of concealing the origin of illicit funds, often by moving them through layered transactions or asset conversions.
  • Cross-border transfers: Transfers of funds between jurisdictions, which crypto can facilitate quickly without relying on traditional banking channels.