China's crackdown on fake journalists in the country has resulted in the confiscation of about 14,455 press cards and the investigation of at least 215 newspapers and magazines that are operating without a permit, the country's press authorities said.

Since the start of the campaign against bogus journalists and publications in 2013, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and TV said it has already succeeded in cancelling the press cards of nearly 15,000 journalists who turned out to be fake journalists.

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The crackdown also resulted in the investigation of 258 criminal cases involving bogus journalists. At least 15 million illegal publications - newspapers and magazines - have also been confiscated during the duration of the program.

China launched the crackdown against fake journalists after authorities received reports that several bogus journalists blackmailed government officials by threatening to run stories about corruption if the official would not give in to their demands.

Some government officials fear that even if they have not done any wrongdoings, a news article questioning their integrity will immediately tarnish their reputation. Other fake journalists also blatantly ask for money from officials or business owners in exchange of positive news.

"The illegal acts of these fake journalists have seriously damaged the people's interests as well as media credibility," the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and TV said in a statement posted on its website.

The campaign against illegal media and fake journalists will run until September, and will include online publications that do not have permits.

The crackdown will also include legitimate journalists who are accused of doing illegal activities, such as blackmail or writing positive stories in exchange of monetary considerations.

The campaign, jointly launched by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and eight other ministries and offices, seeks to put a stop to extortion via news reports and to prevent the spread of fake news.

Authorities are asking the public to participate in the campaign by reporting the illegal acts of journalists around the country.