Chinese cybersecurity police recently cracked an online extortion case involving the "internet water army," with 15 suspects arrested and more than 20 devices seized, achieving a full-chain crackdown on criminal activities involving corporate-targeted online extortion, according to the cybersecurity bureau of Ministry of Public Security on Sunday.

The "internet water army" refers to groups of internet users paid to post online comments, and cyber blackmail is an important means of their criminal activities, according to the statement from the bureau's WeChat account.

The public security organ in Laizhou, East China's Shandong Province, received a report from a local company claiming that someone who identified themself as a journalist from "a certain newspaper" had called and demanded a payment of 5,000 yuan ($694), threatening to publish information that indicated the company did not meet environmental standards if their demands were not met.

After taking the case, the police immediately launched an investigation and uncovered a well-organized "internet water army" gang. The gang members posted rumors about companies on online platforms from different locations, contacted the targeted companies affected by the negative online impact and forced them to pay the relevant fees under the pretext of conducting positive publicity reports.

The police then dismantled the criminal gang led by Chen and Wei. Upon investigation, it was found that since 2022, Chen and Wei, along with several other individuals, had impersonated media workers, threatening to expose information, online or through other means, to extort money from companies. 

They exploited the victims' willingness to comply and avoid trouble, targeting businesses and their operators, severely disrupting normal business and social order. 

Currently, several individuals, including Chen and Wei, have been taken into custody, and the case is being investigated.

According to the statement, if someone threatens or coerces anyone in order to obtain public or private property by posting or deleting information on the internet, and the amount involved is significant, or if such acts are committed repeatedly, they will be charged and punished for extortion according to the provisions of the criminal law.

China's top internet regulator has previously launched a two-month nationwide campaign to tackle online defamation, extortion and malicious marketing that harms businesses and entrepreneurs, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Announced Thursday by the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission, the campaign aims to clean up the digital environment and support a healthier business climate. The initiative targets "black mouths" - online accounts or influencers who spread false or damaging content about companies for profit or leverage.

Key issues include fabricating negative claims about product quality or finances, and demanding "deletion" or "PR" fees in exchange for removing harmful posts, Xinhua reported.

As part of the internet regulator's broader 2025 operation to promote a more orderly, credible and law-abiding online space, the initiative urges internet platforms to enhance content management, improve the handling of corporate-related complaints and take greater responsibility for curbing online abuse.