Chinese Tax Fraud Suspect Apprehended in Nigeria, Repatriated to China.

In a coordinated effort between the Nigeria Police Force and Chinese authorities, a Chinese national wanted on charges of tax fraud has been arrested in Lagos and repatriated to China. The suspect, Chen Gaochong, was apprehended on June 24 following an operation led by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Abuja, prompted by a formal request from the Chinese government.

Mr. Chen is accused by the Peixian Public Security Bureau in Jiangsu Province of issuing falsified Value Added Tax (VAT) invoices totaling 4.97 million renminbi (approximately N1,057,561,330). He allegedly used the names of Linhai Guangyong and Linhai Beilaisi to generate 45 fake VAT invoices issued to Xuzhou Wanfeng Plastic Industry Company between May and August 2017.

Authorities stated that Mr. Chen fled China in November 2019, moving through Hong Kong and Burkina Faso before unlawfully entering Nigeria in 2021. He reportedly avoided renewing his passport to conceal his identity. An arrest warrant was issued in July 2020.

Mr. Chen was handed over to Chinese law enforcement on July 3. Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun affirmed that Nigeria will not serve as a refuge for fugitives, emphasizing the significance of international cooperation in combating cross-border crime. The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to collaborating with international law enforcement agencies and upholding mutual legal assistance obligations.