Fugitive returns home after 10 years on the run in Italy
Print Edition
AN economic fraud suspect was returned to China under police escort yesterday after 10 years on the run in Italy, marking the first extradition of its kind from a European country.
The woman, surnamed Zhang, is alleged to have stolen more than 1.4 million yuan (US$224,000) from clients while working for a securities firm in north China’s Hebei Province between 2000 and 2005, the Ministry of Public Security said in a statement.
Zhang fled to Italy in October 2005. The ministry issued an international alert via Interpol and began working with law enforcement agencies in Italy.
The fugitive was arrested by Italian police in October last year, and the country officially agreed her extradition on January 16.
“The extradition showcases the determination of Chinese and Italian law enforcement departments,” the ministry’s statement said.
Zhang’s case is seen as a major step in China’s hunt for economic fugitives, including numerous officials suspected of graft, as the country looks to enlist help from around the world.
The public security ministry said that “a series of criminal fugitives will be handed over by related countries to the Chinese police in the near future.” It said also that it has established law enforcement cooperation with 189 countries, and that 49 police liaison officers have been sent to 27 countries.
Last year, “Fox Hunt 2014,” the operation targeting suspects in economic crimes hiding overseas, saw 680 offenders brought to task.
The ministry vowed to deepen cooperation between Chinese and foreign law enforcement agencies and to “try its best to seize suspects at large through various channels” such as repatriation, extradition and persuasion.
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