INTERPOL China update – Chinese fraud fugitive arrested on Chinese INTERPOL Red Notice

We have been tracking China’s increasing collaboration with INTERPOL. As part of these efforts, INTERPOL and China’s Ministry of Public Security recently conducted a high-level meeting focused on expanding cross-border collaboration in areas such as telecom fraud, asset recovery, fugitive repatriation and terrorism.

In addition, we have been keeping track of INTERPOL’s initiatives to enhance its transnational financial crime fighting capabilities both at a domestic and international levels.

One of our recent articles reviewed INTERPOL’s collaboration with Indian enforcement agencies to enhance international cooperation, marking an increase in the use of INTERPOL Red Notices by Indian CBI since 2023.

Following INTERPOL’s broader efforts, we also wrote about INTERPOL’s collaboration with other state agencies, such as Chinese law enforcement bodies, in order to enhance international cooperation, as well as with African law enforcers to disrupt criminal finances by way of the INTERPOL Silver Notice. We noted how cybercrime was rising in two-thirds of African countries.

With respect to China, recent news reports have confirmed that the Chinese authorities continue to use the INTERPOL Red Notice to locate individuals they suspect of wrongdoing.

Further action from Chinese enforcement agencies

It has recently been reported that following the publication by INTERPOL of a Red Notice issued by China, a “Chinese fraud fugitive” was arrested in South Africa and appeared in court.

The report states that the individual was arrested when he allegedly applied for a visa at the United States Embassy, following which he made a first appearance at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court.

It is currently unclear what (if any) arguments will be raised in defence of any extradition request. However, in circumstances where there might be a risk of human rights abuses we have previously described how INTERPOL’s guidance offers deeper insight into how requests relating to political unrest, sanctions violations or civil disputes are reviewed.

What does this mean?

With regard to investigations against individuals, the potential for enhanced information-sharing (particularly to or from China) and better access to evidence, may ultimately result in charges against those who are based in the UK, extradition requests against those based abroad or INTERPOL Red Notices leading more readily to the initiation of extradition proceedings.

Therefore, if you are concerned about potential liability arising from your business transactions, if you have unresolved financial matters, including outstanding civil disputes or you suspect that you may be subject to INTERPOL measures, including a Red Notice, expert legal advice should be sought immediately.

How Gherson can help

Those who believe that they may be subject to INTERPOL measures, including a Red (or Blue) Notice or diffusion, should take heed.

Gherson Solicitors continue to receive requests for expert advice and assistance from those who suspect they may have outstanding financial issues which may engage INTERPOL. The advice we could provide in these circumstances would include:

1. How best to approach a possible INTERPOL notice;
2. How to prepare for potential criminal proceedings / an extradition request;
3. What can be done to prepare for a situation where a civil matter or commercial dispute could be used to initiate bogus criminal proceedings; and
4. Exploring the possibility of instigating civil litigation proceedings to recover any misappropriated assets.

Gherson Solicitors have previously written a series of blogs designed to assist those who have reason to believe they may be subject to INTERPOL measures (including Red or Blue Notices):

• INTERPOL and Red Notice Challenges
• How to Remove an INTERPOL Red Notice?
• INTERPOL Red Notices and Extradition
• How do I know if I am subject to an INTERPOL Red Notice?

Gherson has over 30 years of experience in assisting with all aspects of INTERPOL, Red Notice challenges and extradition. If you would like to speak to us in respect of any of the issues raised in this article or about your specific circumstances,  do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, 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 2025