Police Arrest, Repatriate Chinese Fugitive Wanted for Tax Fraud
In a major stride for international law enforcement cooperation, the Nigeria Police Force has successfully apprehended and repatriated a Chinese fugitive, Mr. Chen Gaochong, to the People’s Republic of China.
The arrest was facilitated through the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja, following a formal request by Chinese authorities. Mr. Gaochong was wanted by the Peixian Public Security Bureau in Jiangsu Province, China, for allegedly issuing fraudulent tax invoices amounting to 4,974,400 Chinese Yuan (RMB).
According to police sources, the suspect was involved in a complex financial fraud scheme between May and August 2017. He was accused of unlawfully issuing 45 Value Added Tax (VAT) invoices under fictitious business transactions. The invoices were issued to Xuzhou Wanfeng Plastic Industry Co., Ltd. using the identities of two other companies—Linhai Guangyong Plastic Products Co., Ltd. and Linhai Beilaisi Plastic Products Co., Ltd.—without their knowledge or consent.
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Following the exposure of his alleged crimes, Gaochong fled Mainland China on November 16, 2019, via the Shenzhen Bay port to Hong Kong. He later made his way to Burkina Faso and eventually entered Nigeria illegally in 2021. Authorities said he deliberately avoided renewing his international passport to evade identification and arrest.
An arrest warrant was issued by Chinese law enforcement on July 9, 2020. After his movements were tracked, INTERPOL NCB Abuja launched covert operations that led to his arrest in Lagos on June 24, 2025. He was subsequently handed over to Chinese officials for repatriation on July 3, 2025.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, commended the successful collaboration between Nigerian and Chinese law enforcement agencies. He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to international justice and its determination not to allow the country to become a sanctuary for fugitives.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to global best practices in transnational crime prevention and will continue to strengthen ties with international agencies to combat crime and criminality,” said Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The operation is being hailed as a milestone in the global fight against financial crime and a testament to the growing effectiveness of cross-border police collaboration.
By PRNigeria
