Financial technology development, regional marketization, and the effectiveness of criminal investigation cases

• Advancements in financial technology enhance the effectiveness of investigation efficiency. • Regional marketization levels moderate financial technology and investigation efficiency. • Fintech growth unevenly affects regional crime probe efficiency. This study utilizes data from 31 provinces and cities in China from 2011 to 2022 to systematically explore the impact of financial technology development and regional marketization on the efficiency of criminal case investigations. Empirical analysis reveals that advancements in financial technology enhance the effectiveness of these investigations. Additionally, regional marketization levels significantly moderate the relationship between financial technology and investigation efficiency, with varying effects across different regions. The development of financial technology demonstrates heterogeneous effects on improving criminal case investigation efficiency in various areas.