In a landmark operation underscoring the strength of 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, carried out in close collaboration with Chinese police authorities, reflects a robust commitment to upholding international legal standards and combating transnational financial crimes.Mr. Chen, a Chinese national, was declared wanted by the Peixian Public Security Bureau in Jiangsu Province for tax fraud involving the illegal issuance of special Value Added Tax (VAT) invoices totaling RMB 4,974,400.
Chinese investigators revealed that between May and August 2017, the suspect fraudulently issued 45 VAT invoices for fictitious transactions. These were allegedly made under the names of Linhai Guangyong Plastic Products Co., Ltd. and Linhai Beilaisi Plastic Products Co., Ltd., without the consent or knowledge of the companies involved.
The invoices were issued to Xuzhou Wanfeng Plastic Industry Co., Ltd.Fleeing justice, Chen escaped Mainland China on November 16, 2019, through the Shenzhen Bay Port into Hong Kong.
He later surfaced in Burkina Faso before illegally entering Nigeria in 2021. In a deliberate attempt to obscure his identity and avoid detection, he failed to renew his international passport.
On July 9, 2020, an arrest warrant was issued by Chinese authorities for his apprehension.Upon receiving a formal request for cooperation from the Chinese government, INTERPOL NCB Abuja launched a covert intelligence-led operation.
This culminated in the suspect’s arrest in Lagos on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Following established international repatriation protocols, Mr. Chen was handed over to Chinese authorities on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, praised the operation as a significant step forward in international policing efforts and reiterated the Force’s unwavering stance against criminal safe havens.“Nigeria will never be a sanctuary for fugitives escaping justice.
Our collaboration with international law enforcement agencies remains strong and focused on ensuring that transnational criminals are apprehended and brought to justice,” the IGP affirmed.
The Nigeria Police Force continues to align itself with global best practices in the fight against international crime and remains committed to fostering mutual legal assistance and operational synergy across borders.
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