The Nigeria Police, through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja, has successfully arrested and repatriated a Chinese national, Mr. Chen Gaochong, to the People’s Republic of China.
According to a press release on Thursday, 10th July 2025, signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, this high-profile operation was conducted in close cooperation with Chinese police authorities and strict compliance with international law enforcement standards and protocols.
Mr. Chen Gaochong had been on the run from Chinese authorities after being declared wanted by the Peixian Public Security Bureau, Jiangsu Province, for serious tax fraud offences. Investigations revealed that between May and August 2017, he fraudulently issued 45 special Value Added Tax (VAT) invoices valued at RMB 4,974,400 using the names of Linhai Guangyong Plastic Products Co., Ltd. and Linhai Beilaisi Plastic Products Co., Ltd. without their consent. The invoices were issued to Xuzhou Wanfeng Plastic Industry Co., Ltd. under false pretences.
Following the discovery of the fraud, Chen fled China on November 16, 2019, through Shenzhen Bay to Hong Kong, and later absconded to Burkina Faso before illegally entering Nigeria in 2021. He remained in hiding, deliberately avoiding passport renewal to conceal his identity and evade justice. An arrest warrant was issued by the Peixian Public Security Bureau on July 9, 2020.
In response to a formal extradition request by Chinese authorities, INTERPOL NCB Abuja launched a covert intelligence operation which led to Mr. Chen’s arrest in Lagos on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. He was repatriated and formally handed over to Chinese authorities on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has commended the collaboration between Nigerian and Chinese law enforcement, emphasising that Nigeria will not be a haven for international fugitives.
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to upholding international standards in crime prevention and strengthening global cooperation in the fight against transnational criminal activities.
