The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja, has apprehended and repatriated one CHEN Gaochong, a Chinese fugitive.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, police
spokesperson, said Gaochong was arrested in Lagos on June 24 and repatriated to
China on July 3, having initially entered Nigeria in 2021.
Adejobi said the arrest was made possible through
collaboration with Chinese police authorities and in accordance with
international law enforcement protocols.
He said Gaochong fled China in 2019 after he was declared
wanted by the Peixian Public Security Bureau of Jiangsu Province for offences
involving tax fraud, specifically the unlawful issuance of special value added
tax (VAT) invoices totalling RMB 4,974,400.
The investigation, initiated by Chinese authorities on March
5, 2020, revealed that between May and August 2017, the suspect fraudulently
issued 45 VAT invoices for fictitious transactions under the guise of
legitimate business activities.
“These invoices were issued to Xuzhou Wanfeng Plastic
Industry Co., Ltd., using the names of two other companies, Linhai Guangyong
Plastic Products Co., Ltd. and Linhai Beilaisi Plastic Products Co., Ltd.,
without their consent or involvement,” the statement reads.
“Following the discovery of his criminal activities, Chen
Gaochong fled Mainland China on 16th November 2019 through the Shenzhen Bay
port to Hong Kong, and later escaped to Burkina Faso before illegally entering
Nigeria in 2021. He deliberately avoided renewing his international passport in
an attempt to conceal his identity and evade arrest. An arrest warrant was
subsequently issued by the Peixian Public Security Bureau on 9th July 2020 for
his detention on suspicion of tax-related offences.
“Upon receipt of a formal request for assistance from
Chinese authorities, INTERPOL NCB Abuja commenced covert intelligence
operations, leading to the successful tracing and arrest of the fugitive in
Lagos on Tuesday, 24th June 2025. In the spirit of international law
enforcement cooperation and mutual legal assistance, Mr. Chen Gaochong was
repatriated and formally handed over to Chinese authorities on Thursday, 3rd
July 2025.”
Adejobi said the strategic operation marks a significant
milestone in transnational police cooperation and the global fight against
financial crime.
He reaffirmed the dedication of the Nigerian police to
ensuring that the nation does not serve as a haven for criminals fleeing
justice.
“The Force remains committed to upholding global standards
in transnational crime prevention and will continue to strengthen its
collaboration with international law enforcement agencies to combat crime and
criminality,” he said.
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