In a concerted effort to bolster food security, China's public security authorities have launched thousands of investigations into agricultural crimes, particularly since the beginning of 2025. Initial reports indicate that these investigations have included over 4,600 cases pertaining to illegal land use and the degradation of black soil, alongside more than 200 cases focused on counterfeit or substandard agricultural inputs.

As outlined in a recent update from the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), authorities are currently supervising 13 significant cases directly linked to agricultural crime. The post highlights that local police across China have been executing sustained operations aimed at curtailing agricultural offenses such as illegal occupation of farmland and the production and distribution of counterfeit agricultural products.

The MPS is rigorously enforcing farmland protection regulations, addressing key issues like illegal land utilization, soil theft, counterfeit and illegally reproduced seeds, undisclosed additives in pesticides, as well as the insufficient nutrient content in fertilizers. The targeted nature of these operations is designed to dismantle criminal organizations and disrupt illegal agricultural supply chains.

To enhance surveillance, the MPS has adopted a 'professional + mechanism + big data' strategy, resulting in the development of a comprehensive monitoring and early-warning platform that covers land, air, and spatial oversight. This integrated approach seeks to facilitate coordinated regional operations among various governmental departments in vital agricultural provinces.

In its commitment to safeguarding food security, the public security authorities are actively urging citizens to report any crimes that endanger agricultural resources. An official communication from the MPS reiterated this dedication, indicating a zero-tolerance stance on offenses that could compromise food safety.

Additionally, the post revealed nine emblematic cases of food security violations, which include theft of black soil peat, illegal occupation of farmland, and the production or sale of counterfeit seeds and fertilizers. As a result, suspects have been arrested, prosecuted, or faced other enforcement actions.

This decisive action reflects China's ongoing vigilance in protecting its agricultural integrity and food production systems amidst rising global concerns about food security. The proactive measures taken by the public security authorities demonstrate an unwavering commitment to ensuring safety and quality within the nation's food supply chain.