The Nigeria Police Force, has apprehended and repatriated a Chinese fugitive, Mr. Chen Gaochong, to the People’s Republic of China having earlier been declared wanted by the Peixian Public Security Bureau of Jiangsu Province for offences involving tax fraud.
Penpushing reports that Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi made this known in a statement adding that the arrest was carried out through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja.
The statement said the operation was in close collaboration with Chinese Police authorities stating that the fugitive was, specifically engaged in the unlawful issuance of special Value Added Tax (VAT) invoices totalling RMB 4,974,400.
Penpushing further reports that Adejobi explained that the arrest and subsequent repatriation was in accordance with international law enforcement protocols, adding that this strategic operation marks a significant milestone in transnational police cooperation and the global fight against financial crime.
The statement stated that 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.
Penpushing also reports that Adejobi said these invoices were issued to Xuzhou Wanfeng Plastic Industry Company Limited., using the names of two other companies, Linhai Guangyong Plastic Products Co., Ltd. and Linhai Beilaisi Plastic Products Company Limited, without their consent or involvement.
“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”, Adejobi wrote
Penpushing reports that the statement added that the wanted suspect deliberately avoided renewing his international passport in an attempt to conceal his identity and evade arrest, adding that an arrest warrant was subsequently issued by the Peixian Public Security Bureau on July 9, 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”, the statement said.
Penpushing further reports that Adejobi said in the spirit of international law enforcement cooperation and mutual legal assistance, Gaochong was repatriated and formally handed over to Chinese authorities on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
The statement emphasised that Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reaffirms its dedication to ensuring that Nigeria 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”, the statement stressed
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