Beijing's criminals could face higher fines

People in Beijing convicted of serious offences could face whopping fines more than three times higher than existing penalties under a new plan to cut crime.

Serious offences such as disrupting public security, damaging the ecological environment and stealing natural resources, could result in a fine of up to 100,000 yuan ($12,935), a significant jump from the current maximum, 30,000 yuan ($3,880).

The latest revision of the upper limits of various administrative fines is now tabled for discussion at the Standing Committee of Beijing Municipal People's Congress, which commenced over the weekend.