Chinese police in Zhanjiang have busted a virtual currency "running points" money laundering gang, with 16 people taken into criminal detention.

Police authorities at the Zhanjiang and Leizhou levels in Guangdong, China recently launched a centralized crackdown operation, successfully dismantling a "money mule" money laundering gang that used virtual currency transactions to transfer proceeds from telecom and online fraud. Sixteen members have been lawfully placed in criminal detention. Led by a couple surnamed He and Zhang, the gang has been laundering and transferring fraud proceeds via virtual currency transactions since the end of 2025, generating illegal profits by earning transaction spreads, and amassing a large number of personal bank cards, WeChat Pay, Alipay, and other payment accounts to build its money laundering chain. In the early morning of July 24, police carried out a cross-regional precise crackdown, dismantling the entire criminal chain. Zhanjiang police issued a solemn reminder that "money mule" money laundering is a key accomplice to telecom and online fraud. Depending on the circumstances, those involved may face charges including the crime of assisting information network criminal activities and the crime of concealing or disguising proceeds of crime. The public is urged not to rent, lend, or sell personal bank cards and various payment accounts for small commissions, resolutely refrain from participating in illegal activities such as virtual currency fund transfer and payment agency money laundering, consciously protect personal credit records and property safety, and stay away from all fraud-related illegal and criminal activities.