China’s ruling Communist Party has directed investigators to go after officials who hide bribes or move illicit wealth through virtual currencies, blockchain transactions and cross-border capital channels, according to a resolution published by the state Xinhua news agency on Nov. 1.

The document, adopted at the Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee, which met in Beijing from Oct. 26 to 29, does not create a new ban on cryptocurrency trading. Instead, it folds digital assets into an existing anti-corruption drive and instructs disciplinary agencies to treat them as channels requiring tighter enforcement, alongside internet-based dealings and offshore transfers.

Section VII of the resolution, titled “Taking Firm and…