Beijing - China's security body says it has arrested nearly 2 200 people as part of a nationwide crackdown on gang-related crime.
A report posted on Friday on China's Ministry of Public Security website says police in 11 regions have arrested 2 182 suspects and uprooted 270 gangs since September 1.
The state-run China Daily newspaper says the campaign has been aimed at cracking down on corruption, gambling and other gang-related crimes.
A similar campaign last year broke up more than 1 500 mafia-style gangs. It exposed syndicates in cities such as Chongqing that were protected by government officials and police officers.
Chongqing's former police chief Wen Qiang was executed after being convicted of bribery, rape and extortion. - Sapa-AP