The Nigeria Police Force, through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja, says it has arrested and repatriated a Chinese fugitive, Chen Gaochong, to the People’s Republic of China, in close collaboration with Chinese Police authorities and in accordance with international law enforcement protocols.
In a statement issued Thursday by Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police confirmed that Chen was handed over to Chinese authorities on July 3, after his arrest in Lagos on June 24, 2025.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out in close cooperation with the Chinese police and in accordance with global law enforcement protocols.
Chen Gaochong was declared wanted by the Peixian Public Security Bureau of Jiangsu Province, China, for his alleged role in a fraudulent scheme involving the unlawful issuance of 45 special Value Added Tax (VAT) invoices worth RMB 4,974,400 (approximately $685,000).
The offences were allegedly committed between May and August 2017, under the cover of fake transactions linked to Xuzhou Wanfeng Plastic Industry Co., Ltd., using the names of two other companies without their consent.
After Chinese authorities launched an investigation in March 2020, Chen fled the country in November 2019, moving through Hong Kong to Burkina Faso, before illegally entering Nigeria in 2021.
He reportedly avoided renewing his passport to evade identification and capture.
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An arrest warrant was issued for him on July 9, 2020, prompting a formal request for assistance from Chinese law enforcement through INTERPOL.
In response, the Nigerian Police launched covert intelligence operations that eventually led to his capture.
“The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its dedication to ensuring that Nigeria does not serve as a haven for criminals fleeing justice.
The statement read, “The Force remains committed to upholding global standards in transnational crime prevention.”
The arrest and repatriation of Gaochong represent a notable success in the fight against financial crimes and reinforce Nigeria’s role as a reliable partner in global law enforcement cooperation.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, emphasised that the Nigeria Police would continue to work closely with international partners to ensure that fugitives are brought to justice, regardless of borders.