China's police and financial authorities have launched a six-month-long joint campaign to crack down on illegal financial businesses and crimes.

The Economic Crime Investigation Department of the Ministry of Public Security and the Investigation Bureau of the National Financial Regulatory Administration held a meeting on Friday, rolling out plans for the campaign.

The campaign called for seriously punishing the businesses and crimes to protect the rights of consumers and maintain order of the financial sector, according to a news release issued by the ministry.

The drive will target illegal intermediary services to solicit bank deposits or issue loans, malicious repudiation of debts, illegal proxy services for insurance cancellation or claims, and illegal measures to resist debt collection.

The authorities asked entities to strengthen analysis of case clues and conduct thorough investigation of the gangs behind the crimes.