1,144 prosecuted on charges related to epidemic control

BEIJING -- Procuratorial organs across China had prosecuted 1,144 suspects on charges over 962 cases related to the prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic by March 3, according to the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) on March 4.

As of March 3, the procuratorial organs have engaged in the investigation of 6,428 related criminal cases involving 8,595 suspects, among whom 1,826 had been approved for arrest, the SPP said.

The charges included causing the transmission of novel coronavirus due to disobeying the prevention and control measures, interfering with public administration, and producing and selling counterfeit products.

A total of 605 cases involved crimes concerning wildlife resources, such as the illegal hunting and killing of rare and endangered wildlife, said the SPP.