Police arrest, repatriate ‘Chinese fugitive over $245 million ponzi scheme’

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says its operatives have arrested and repatriated Xu Qing, a “Chinese fugitive”, to China to face charges over an alleged Ponzi scheme involving large-scale illegal absorption of public deposits. 

Anthony Placid, the force public relations officer, said in a statement on Wednesday that the arrest and repatriation were carried out through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Abuja.

Placid said the action followed a formal request from Chinese authorities, who declared the suspect wanted in Beijing over an alleged fraud valued at more than $245 million.

“Investigations revealed that the suspect fled China to Nigeria on 5th November 2024 in an attempt to evade arrest, following which a warrant was issued against him on 12th November 2025 by the Shinan Sub-Bureau of Qingdao Public Security,” the statement reads.

“Acting on intelligence and sustained surveillance operations, operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja successfully tracked and arrested the fugitive at a factory located in Olowotedo, Siun Village, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State on 24th April 2026, after which the suspect was repatriated to the People’s Republic of China on 28th April 2026 through bilateral police cooperation arrangements to face prosecution for the offences.”

Placid said Olatunji Disu, the inspector-general of police (IGP), reaffirmed the NPF’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation in tackling transnational organised crime.

He also advised Nigerian employers and businesses to carry out proper background checks, including through the police, before hiring or partnering with foreign nationals.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its commitment to combating transnational crime and ensuring that Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven for fugitives,” Placid said.(TheCable)