By Mercy Gadia
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested and repatriated a Chinese national, Xu Qing, over his alleged involvement in a $245m Ponzi scheme.
The police said the suspect was returned to the People’s Republic of China to face prosecution following a formal request by Chinese authorities.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, the operation was carried out through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau Abuja.
Placid said the suspect had been declared wanted in Beijing over alleged involvement in a large-scale financial fraud involving illegal absorption of public deposits estimated at $245m.
He said, “The Nigeria Police Force, through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau Abuja, has successfully arrested and repatriated a Chinese fugitive, Xu Qing, to the People’s Republic of China to face charges related to large-scale illegal absorption of public deposits through a Ponzi scheme.”
Police investigations revealed that the suspect fled China on November 5, 2024, in a bid to evade arrest.
A warrant for his arrest was subsequently issued on November 12, 2025, by Chinese authorities.
The statement added that operatives, acting on intelligence, tracked and apprehended the suspect at a factory in Ogun State.
“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 April 24, 2026,” Placid said.
He added that the suspect was repatriated on April 28, 2026, through bilateral arrangements to face prosecution.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reiterated the commitment of the Force to tackling transnational crime.
He also urged Nigerian employers and business owners to carry out proper background checks before engaging 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,” the statement added.