AI tools created to combat telecom fraud, blockchain-related crimes unveiled

Artificial intelligence tools designed to combat telecom fraud and blockchain-related crimes were among a range of smart public security technologies showcased at the third Public Security Tech Expo, highlighting the growing use of digital and intelligent solutions in law enforcement.

The five-day expo, held from Sept 7 to 11 in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, was organized by the First Research Institute of the Ministry of Public Security under the theme "Technology Empowers, Win-Win Cooperation".

Yu Bing, deputy director of the institute, said this year's event placed greater emphasis on intelligent technologies and practical applications, with more than 10 exhibition areas covering different categories of public security equipment.

He said exhibitors also used scenario-based demonstrations to make complex technologies easier to understand and give visitors a clearer picture of how the equipment can be applied in real-world operations.

One of the highlights was the public debut of the national anti-fraud AI app in the criminal technology and anti-fraud equipment zone.

Developed by the Shanghai Public Security Bureau under the guidance of the Criminal Investigation Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security, the app was upgraded from a previous anti-fraud intelligent agent and officially launched in early September.

During a demonstration, the system was given a scenario involving a user who met an "engineer boyfriend" online and was then encouraged to invest in a financial project — a typical romance-investment scam pattern.

The app quickly identified the risk, matched it with known fraud characteristics and issued a warning. According to demonstrators, it can also break down the core techniques used in a scam and recommend relevant anti-fraud videos, providing information through text, voice and video.

Three versions have been developed for different users. In addition to a standard version for the general public, an elderly-friendly version features larger text, voice input, and dialect recognition and response functions to make the service easier to use.

An international version has also been introduced for foreign users, extending the scope of anti-fraud protection.

The app is currently available through major app stores, as well as mini-programs on WeChat and Alipay.

Another tool on display targeted the growing challenge of blockchain-related crimes. The platform is designed to help investigators analyze virtual currency transactions through AI and support investigations into related illegal activities.

Yan Hongyong, a pre-sales solutions manager for the product, said his company has accumulated extensive experience in practical applications since entering the field in 2018.

Its service model combines technology provision, training and support for individual cases. In addition to providing analytical tools, the company offers monthly training courses to help users understand investigative methods and make better use of the system, Yan said.

Technology and equipment were also a major focus of a sub-forum of the 2026 Conference of the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum, held in the city on Thursday.

More than 180 representatives from over 10 countries and regions attended the Sub-Forum on Public Security Technology and Equipment. Participants exchanged views on areas including AI-enabled equipment, police protective gear and criminal investigation technologies.

Participants said a new round of technological and industrial transformation is accelerating, while new technologies and processes are being increasingly applied in public security, driving equipment toward greater digitalization and intelligence.

They called for faster upgrades to public security technologies and equipment to support improvements in global public security governance.

Participants also said the sub-forum provided an important platform for technological innovation, equipment applications and international exchanges in policing, while contributing to the modernization of global public security governance and broader international law enforcement cooperation.