The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, has arrested and repatriated a Chinese fugitive, Xu Qing, to the People’s Republic of China over his alleged involvement in a $245 million Ponzi scheme.
The police said the suspect was wanted by Chinese authorities for offences linked to the illegal absorption of public deposits in a large-scale financial fraud operation.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the repatriation followed a formal request from the Chinese government after the suspect was declared wanted in Beijing.
The statement disclosed that the alleged fraud was valued at more than $245 million.
Investigations revealed that Xu Qing fled China for Nigeria on November 5, 2024, in an attempt to evade arrest after authorities in China intensified investigations into the scheme.
The police said a warrant for his arrest was subsequently issued on November 12, 2025, by the Shinan Sub-Bureau of Qingdao Public Security in China.
Acting on intelligence reports and sustained surveillance operations, operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja tracked the suspect to a factory located in Olowotedo, Siun Village, in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.
He was arrested on April 24, 2026, and later repatriated to China on April 28, 2026, under bilateral police cooperation arrangements between both countries.
The NPF said the suspect would now face prosecution in China for the alleged offences.
Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the force to strengthening international collaboration in tackling transnational organised crime.
The IGP also urged Nigerian employers and business organisations to conduct proper background checks on foreign nationals before entering into employment or business relationships with them.
According to him, such due diligence should include verification through relevant security and law enforcement agencies.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its commitment to combating transnational crime and ensuring that Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven for fugitives,” the statement added.
The latest operation underscores growing cooperation between Nigerian law enforcement agencies and international partners in tracking fugitives and tackling cross-border financial crimes.
