Police across China kicked off a nine-month campaign on Wednesday to manage money and property involved in criminal cases in order to prevent misacts such as embezzlement, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

Vice Minister Liu Jinguo said police departments at all levels should revise both open and closed cases and establish detailed accounts of property and money involved, especially for economic- and drug-related criminal cases.

"The police are prohibited from misappropriating confiscated money and property, seizing money and property unrelated to cases, and returning controversial assets," he said, adding that efforts should be made to rectify irregularities "within a short period."

Liu said the ministry should implement a centralized management system for crime-related property and a strict supervisory mechanism, and that those found violating the rules will be punished.