The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, has successfully arrested and repatriated a Chinese fugitive accused of masterminding a massive $245 million Ponzi scheme, in what authorities describe as a major breakthrough in the fight against transnational financial crime.
The suspect, identified as Xu Qing, was apprehended in Ogun State after months of intelligence gathering and surveillance operations coordinated between Nigerian authorities and the People’s Republic of China.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placide, the fugitive was declared wanted in Beijing over allegations bordering on the illegal absorption of public deposits through a fraudulent investment scheme that reportedly defrauded hundreds of victims of over $245 million.
Investigations revealed that Xu Qing fled China on November 5, 2024, in a desperate attempt to evade prosecution after the alleged financial scandal began attracting the attention of Chinese law enforcement authorities. A warrant for his arrest was subsequently issued on November 12, 2025, by the Shinan Sub-Bureau of Qingdao Public Security.
Security operatives attached to INTERPOL NCB Abuja later tracked the suspect to a factory located in Olowotedo, Siun Village, within Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, where he had reportedly been hiding under the radar.
Police authorities disclosed that the fugitive was arrested on April 24, 2026, following what officials described as sustained surveillance and coordinated intelligence operations. He was thereafter repatriated to China on April 28, 2026, under existing bilateral police cooperation agreements to face prosecution for the alleged offences.
The arrest has been widely viewed as a strong message that Nigeria will no longer serve as a safe haven for international fugitives attempting to escape justice.
Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening international collaboration against organised transnational crimes, particularly financial fraud and cyber-enabled criminal activities.
The police boss stressed that criminal elements, irrespective of nationality or status, would be pursued relentlessly through local and international security partnerships.
He also urged Nigerian businesses and employers to exercise caution and carry out comprehensive background checks before engaging foreign nationals for employment or business partnerships, noting that due diligence remains critical in preventing criminal infiltration of legitimate enterprises.
Authorities say the successful arrest and repatriation demonstrate the growing effectiveness of Nigeria’s cooperation with global law enforcement agencies, particularly INTERPOL, in tracking fugitives across borders and dismantling international criminal networks.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its resolve to ensure that individuals involved in financial crimes, fraud, and organised criminal activities do not exploit Nigeria as a refuge from justice, insisting that “justice extends beyond borders.”
