Web-surfers have been using the service in the Fujian, SW. China city to report officials to local supervisory organizations in a move to try to harness official corruption, according to an official report released to the Xinhua news agency on May 29.

Local supervisory organizations are using the Internet's latest hot trend to their own advantage. In a notice to web-surfers they ask for everyone's participation.

"If you hear about official corruption and are willing to inform us, please add the QQ number 544866364 for interactive communication with our procurators, who will be helpful and trustworthy," the notice reads.

On April 18 this year, these hip procurators received their first report of official corruption through the messenger service, says the Xinhua report.

"Thanks for your help and I will inform you of any new developments, " one QQ user said through QQ after procurators kicked off an investigation in accordance with the report.

Local Internet surfers are 'enthusiastic' about the new method of reining in corruption, the report says.

China has 110 million Internet users, the second largest population of netizens in the world, second only to the United States.