FIRST EXTRADITION FROM FRANCE TO CHINA

22 Oct 2016, 50 mins ago

It is understood that Chen Wenhua is accused of embezzling more than 20 million yuan ($3 million) in public funds between 2009 and 2012. Chen was arrested in France after an INTERPOL Red Notice was issued in 2014.

Lu Kang, a spokesman from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, told the press:

“It’s a major breakthrough in this area and is another successful example of repatriating criminals from European countries, after Italy and Spain,” he said.

“In the future we will intensify our efforts, improve our legal system, and improve this Skynet so that it can reach to every corner of the world,” he added.

“Operation Skynet” is a multiagency effort to bring back corruption suspects from abroad.

Securing the extradition of a high profile target from France will be seen as a major success for the Chinese authorities. Hampered by a lack of formal extradition arrangements with many western nations, China has previously resorted to several creative tactics including liaising with immigration authorities to secure the return of fugitives.

Gherson has extensive experience in handling complex extradition cases in many different jurisdictions across the world and in liaising with INTERPOL. We regularly assist individuals facing complex immigration problems and anyone who is concerned about a potential extradition request from China should contact our team.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or alternatively, follow us on TwitterFacebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication, it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

©Gherson 2016