Shanghai's public security bureau has been working hard to tackle criminal cases related to the epidemic to protect people's wallets and food safety, with nearly 700 cases handled so far, according to official sources.

Given the rise of epidemic-related crimes during the current outbreak, the public security bureau has focused on the investigation of violations and crimes including fraud, hoarding, speculation and the sale of counterfeit and low-quality goods, Shu Qing, vice-mayor of Shanghai and head of the city's public security bureau, told a news conference on Friday. About 700 people have received varying forms of punishment, Shu said.

According to Fan Hongfei, an officer with the Shanghai Public Security Bureau, three particular violations and crimes have been under investigation since the current outbreak began: the production and sale of poor-quality or counterfeit food, epidemic-related fraud, and forging or altering certifications that violate COVID-19 prevention, control and social stability in Shanghai.

After learning that some supplies residents received or purchased from their neighborhoods were either poor-quality, spoiled or past their expiry date, police immediately investigated, together with the city's market regulation department. "The quick response is aimed at eliminating the production and sale of knockoffs and low-quality products, food that does not meet safety standards, as well as food that is potentially toxic or harmful," Shu added.

So far, there have been four cases of the sale of poor quality pork, with the meat prevented from reaching the market.

Fraudsters have also taken advantage of the difficulties people face in shopping as a result of the lockdown to offer fake community group purchases and deliveries. Over 10 cases have been investigated, with the money recovered and returned to the victims.

The police have cautioned against the rising risk of telecommunications fraud on social networks and internet platforms, usually in the form of online customer service refunds, epidemic subsidies, or investment opportunities in the vaccination sector. Thanks to public security bureau warnings, more than 35 million yuan ($5.31 million) in losses were recovered.

Shanghai's 52,000 police have been working on the front lines of prevention with health workers and volunteers, as they struggle to maintain order and keep the city running.

"By cracking down on epidemic-related crimes, the public security bureau is making every effort to protect financial security and food safety in Shanghai," Shu said.