Top court intensifies fight against pension and subsidy fraud

China's top court unveiled six significant cases of fraud in areas affecting people's livelihood on Monday, underscoring the judiciary's commitment to a people-centered approach and supporting high-quality economic development.

In detailing these cases, the Supreme People's Court has urged judges nationwide to focus more on protecting vulnerable groups, including the elderly and disabled, from fraud targeting their pension funds and living subsidies, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the well-being of the populace by rule of law.

"In recent years, fraud cases have been on the rise, spanning sectors such as healthcare, eldercare, investment and financial management and consumer spending," the top court said.

"The scamming methods are also becoming increasingly sophisticated and covert, posing serious threats to both public and private property security and undermining social stability," it added.

It stressed the need for stringent punishments for those defrauding public livelihood assets and highlighted the necessity of enhancing legal education, issuing a stern warning against fraudulent actions like the double claiming of pensions and deceitful acquisition of disability benefits.