Eight groups blacklisted by charity watchdog

China's top charity watchdog blacklisted eight organizations last year following a slew of scams that dealt heavy blows to the credibility of the growing sector, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said.

The blacklist will trigger a coordinated effort by 40 government agencies to restrict their activities. Penalties for the disgraced charities include more scrutiny in land acquisition, as well as higher standards for qualifying for tax breaks, going public or participating in government purchase programs. Their executive staff will be barred from bullet trains, air travel and automobile purchases.

Meanwhile, 58 charitable groups that performed well were put on a reward list, enabling them to get preferential treatment. Their executives will be given priority in such areas as adoptions, scholarships for studying abroad and hukou - the household registration that gives access to healthcare and schooling.