New Zealand Is Third Most Preferred Destination Of Corrupt Chinese Fugitives

More Chinese fugitives may be in hiding in New Zealand. Interpol’s National Central Bureau of China has recently released a list of 100 Chinese suspects and at least 20 of them may be in the country.

China’s Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said majority of the public officials and executives wanted for alleged corruption had left the country to escape prosecution. The Chinese commission has released photos and details of each person on the wanted list as well as the possible countries they are believed to be in hiding.

The commission said between 11 and 20 are in New Zealand. Radio NZ reports that New Zealand Police were able to confirm that some of the people on the list are living in the country. The Chinese anti-corruption watchdog has flagged the “economic fugitives and sought the assistance of law enforcement of countries found on its list to bring them to justice.

Chinese authorities believe 40 of the suspects are living in the United States and 26 in Canada. New Zealand is the third most favoured destination of Chinese fugitives, with up to 20 suspects out of 100, followed by Australia, Singapore and Thailand, reports the South China Morning Post. The fugitives came from China’s wealthy eastern seaboard and most are suspected of taking bribes, money laundering and embezzling public funds.

Jean Francois Harvey, a Hong Kong-based immigration law expert, believes the countries are “natural destinations” for the Chinese fugitives since many of them may have friends or relatives who are residents. He wondered how the suspects were able to enter those countries, which he believes have rigorous processes for investor visas.

A spokesperson for New Zealand Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said he has not been in contact with Chinese authorities or Interpol. New Zealand law enforcement revealed it was aware of the list and knew some of the suspects are residing in the country. A spokesperson for Justice Minister Amy Adams said New Zealand has no formal extradition treaty with China but the official would consider a request on a case-to-case basis.

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