Nigeria Police Arrest and Repatriate Chinese Fugitive in Major Transnational Operation
In a significant breakthrough in international law enforcement cooperation, the Nigeria Police Force, through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja, has successfully arrested and repatriated a Chinese fugitive, Mr. Chen Gaochong, to the People’s Republic of China. The operation was carried out in close collaboration with Chinese police authorities and in line with global law enforcement protocols.
Mr. Gaochong, a Chinese national, was declared wanted by the Peixian Public Security Bureau of Jiangsu Province for tax-related offences, including the fraudulent issuance of special Value Added Tax (VAT) invoices totalling approximately RMB 4,974,400. Investigations revealed that between May and August 2017, he unlawfully issued 45 VAT invoices for fictitious transactions under the guise of legitimate business dealings. The invoices were falsely generated using the names of Linhai Guangyong Plastic Products Co., Ltd. and Linhai Beilaisi Plastic Products Co., Ltd., without the companies' knowledge, and directed to Xuzhou Wanfeng Plastic Industry Co., Ltd.
After fleeing Mainland China through the Shenzhen Bay port on November 16, 2019, Mr. Gaochong passed through Hong Kong and Burkina Faso before illegally entering Nigeria in 2021. He evaded detection by refusing to renew his international passport in an attempt to conceal his identity. Chinese authorities issued a formal arrest warrant for him on July 9, 2020.
Following a request from Chinese law enforcement, INTERPOL NCB Abuja launched a covert intelligence-led operation, which led to Gaochong’s arrest in Lagos on June 24, 2025. He was subsequently repatriated and handed over to Chinese officials on July 3, 2025.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to ensuring Nigeria does not become a sanctuary for fugitives. He emphasized the importance of transnational cooperation in fighting organized crime and reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to uphold international standards in criminal justice enforcement.
This operation highlights Nigeria’s growing role in global security efforts and the commitment of its law enforcement agencies to combat financial crimes and uphold the rule of law.
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