Websites, microblogs closed for fraud, blackmail

BEIJING - Several websites and microblog accounts have been closed recently for engaging in fraud and blackmail, according to an announcement by the National Internet Information Office on Thursday.

Specifically, 14 websites, including "China anti-corruption report website," and "China news rights protection website" have been found fooling the public and threatening to reveal incriminating details about people unless they pay hush money.

In total, China has closed over 130 such websites this year, according to the National Internet Information Office.

Also, over 4,000 microblog accounts have been found to be fraudulent, falsely assuming identities ranging from education institutes to news organizations to celebrities.

Some of these cases relate to criminal offenses, and the personnel involved are under investigation by law enforcement authorities, the National Internet Information Office said, adding that the office will maintain a heavy-handed approach against Internet fraud and blackmailing.