The MPS said its cybersecurity department has maintained high-pressure oversight against hacking activities, targeting those who provide services to remove built-in drone restrictions or conducting such "black flights."

　　In one case uncovered by police authorities in Luzhou, Southwest China"s Sichuan Province, a suspect surnamed Hou led a gang that tampered with the payload parameters of large agricultural drones. The modified drones could cause damage to high-voltage power facilities, fall out of control, or drop heavy objects, leading to forest fires or public safety incidents. Hou and four others were arrested in March, and more than 30 drones were found altered.

　　In Shanghai"s Fengxian District, a suspect named Li was caught in March for creating and selling software that removes drone flight restrictions. Li had sold the hacking tools via e-commerce platforms since 2022 and illegally modified over 100 drones.

　　Other cases were reported in localities including East China"s Fujian Province, Central China"s Hunan Province, and Northwest China"s Gansu Province. The suspects, mostly in their 20s to 40s, provided hacking services to remove no-fly-zone and altitude restrictions, often through online channels. Law enforcement has arrested all individuals involved, and investigations were ongoing.

　　According to the MPS, illegally hacking drone flight control systems may violate certain articles in the Criminal Law, constituting offenses such as illegally controlling computer information systems or providing programs and tools for such intrusions.

　　Operating hacked drones in controlled airspace is also strictly forbidden. Under relevant regulations on unmanned aircraft flight management, violators may face fines of up to 500 yuan ($69). In serious cases, the drone will be confiscated, and fines ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 yuan may be imposed.