Caixin Commentary: Law Enforcement Shakedowns Highlight Need for Stronger Protection of Businesses’ Rights

The phenomenon of officials from cash-strapped local governments extorting entrepreneurs in different provinces should serve as a catalyst for stricter punishment and systemic reform

In May 2023, two law enforcement officers from an undisclosed province traveled to Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces to extort business owners under the pretext of official investigations. Photo: VCG

Zhejiang’s provincial procuratorate on Wednesday held a press conference announcing that their “enterprise protection” campaign against local enforcement overreach had helped 123 companies unfreeze over 70 million yuan ($9.7 million) in accounts, release six properties and recover 20 vehicles from questionable law enforcement actions. But one case stands out as particularly troubling.

In May 2023, two law enforcement officers from another province — equipped with police uniforms, handcuffs and recording devices — traveled to Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces to extort business owners under the guise of investigating cases.