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.
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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.
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“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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