INTERPOL China update – Chinese fraud fugitive returned from South Africa to China

We have been tracking China’s increasing collaboration with INTERPOL, including through a high-level meeting between INTERPOL and China’s Ministry of Public Security focused on expanding cross-border cooperation in areas such as telecom fraud, asset recovery, fugitive repatriation, and counter-terrorism.

In addition, we have previously written extensively about INTERPOL’s developments and initiatives aimed at enhancing its transnational financial crime-fighting capabilities, both at domestic and international levels.

Indeed, we recently detailed how INTERPOL has collaborated with Indian law enforcement to enhance international cooperation, as well as how the Indian CBI’s use of INTERPOL Red Notice has increased since 2023.

More broadly, we have tracked INTERPOL’s collaboration  with African law enforcement to disrupt criminal activities by way of the INTERPOL Silver Notice, as well as the rise in Cybercrime in two-thirds of African countries.

Focusing again on China, recent developments provide further confirmation that the Chinese authorities continue to make use of INTERPOL Red Notices to locate individuals suspected of wrongdoing.

We now provide an update on one specific example.

What’s the background?

In July 2025, we reported that, following the publication by INTERPOL of a Red Notice issued by China, a “Chinese fraud fugitive” had been arrested in South Africa and appeared in Court.

It was reported that the individual was arrested after allegedly applying for a visa at the United States Embassy, following which he made his first appearance at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court.

At that time, it was unclear what (if any) arguments would be raised in defence of an extradition request.  However, in circumstances where there may be a risk of human rights abuses, we have previously described how INTERPOL’s guidance provides insight into how requests relating to political unrest, sanctions violations or civil disputes are reviewed.

What is the latest?

It is now being reported that the South African authorities have extradited a 63-year-old Chinese national to China.  The individual is accused of defrauding the Chinese government of more than R100 million.

Police have stated that Chinese and South African authorities have made progress in arresting 18 other Chinese fugitives believed to be hiding in South Africa.

Further arrests are expected as cooperation between the two countries continues to improve.

What does this mean?

In the context of investigations against individuals, the potential for enhanced information sharing  – particularly to or from China – and potentially easier access to evidence, from a broader scope, may ultimately result in criminal charges against individuals based in the UK, extradition requests being issued against those based abroad, or INTERPOL Red Notices more readily leading to the initiation of extradition proceedings.

If you have conducted business and are concerned about potential liability (including in China), if you have unresolved financial matters, including even an outstanding civil dispute, and you suspect that you may be subject to INTERPOL measures, such as a Red Notice, expert legal advice should be sought immediately.

How Gherson can help

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

Indeed, Gherson Solicitors continue to receive requests for expert advice and assistance from those who believe they may have outstanding financial issues. That advice tackles:

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

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

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 36 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 2026