BEIJING, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese police will crack down on gambling, targeting operators and the protective "umbrellas" behind the illegal activity, the Ministry of Public Security said Monday.

Huang Ming, deputy minister of public security, said that gambling harmed the social atmosphere, bred crime and posed a direct threat to people's property security and social stability, at a national video conference on fighting gambling.

Chinese police have investigated 5.93 million suspects in 1.74 million gambling cases since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China was held in 2012.

However, the country is facing a new situation in the fight against gambling, with rural areas having a serious problem, according to the ministry.

Huang ordered police departments nationwide to focus on companies running gambling business, "underground banks" and online operators involved in illegal activities.

"Those who are found to have engaged in gambling and obstructed the investigation of crimes shall be harshly punished," Huang said.