Nigeria Police Arrest, Repatriate Chinese Fugitive In Landmark International Operation
In a major breakthrough in global law enforcement collaboration, the Nigeria Police Force has arrested and repatriated a Chinese fugitive, Mr Chen Gaochong, to the People’s Republic of China.
Acting on a request from Chinese authorities, the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja launched a covert operation that led to the arrest of Mr Chen in Lagos on 24 June 2025.
He was wanted by the Peixian Public Security Bureau of Jiangsu Province for tax fraud involving nearly RMB 5 million through the illegal issuance of VAT invoices.
Investigations revealed that Chen, who had fled China in 2019 and entered Nigeria illegally in 2021, went to great lengths to hide his identity, including avoiding passport renewal.
Following due legal and diplomatic processes, he was handed over to Chinese authorities on 3 July 2025.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to ensuring Nigeria remains no safe haven for international fugitives, pledging continued cooperation with global partners in the fight against transnational crime.
