The Nigeria Police Force, through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, has successfully arrested and repatriated a Chinese national, Mr. Chen Gaochong, wanted for large-scale tax fraud in China.
In a statement, Force Public Relations Officer Force Headquarters, Abuja ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the operation was carried out in close coordination with Chinese law enforcement agencies and in line with international law enforcement protocols. It marks a key achievement in global efforts to combat financial crime and strengthen transnational policing.
Mr. Gaochong had been on the run since November 2019 after Chinese authorities uncovered his role in issuing 45 fraudulent Value Added Tax (VAT) invoices totaling RMB 4.97 million. The fake transactions, recorded between May and August 2017, were linked to Xuzhou Wanfeng Plastic Industry Co., Ltd., using the names of two other companies without their knowledge or involvement.
After fleeing Mainland China through Hong Kong and traveling through Burkina Faso, the fugitive entered Nigeria illegally in 2021 and avoided renewing his international passport to conceal his identity.
Following a formal request from China, Nigerian INTERPOL officers launched covert operations, eventually apprehending Gaochong in Lagos on June 24, 2025. He was extradited to China and handed over to authorities on July 3, 2025.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to international cooperation and warned that Nigeria will not serve as a refuge for fugitives. The Police Force remains dedicated to global crime prevention standards and continued collaboration with international partners.
