China’s Ministry of Public Security vows to take stringent measures to combat cross-border gambling as part of an effort to maintain economic security, social stability and the country’s national image.

Minister Zhao Kezhi said China would dismantle networks for fundraising and attracting gamblers in the country and cut off gambling-related capital and technology chains and promotional channels and stem the flow of gamblers.

It will uncover online payment platforms that are part of gambling and fraudulent fund services and regulate companies offering internet services to online gambling sites, he said. Government officials who take part in and provide shelter for gambling groups will be severely punished.

“We must take the strongest measures to strictly control and break the soil for cross-border gambling,” Zhao said in a meeting on Thursday in which he outlined plans to clamp down on overseas gambling crimes for the coming year. “We must create a strong anti-gambling atmosphere.”