China Footprint: Global hunt for corrupt fugitives

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China's anti-corruption campaign has not only targeted corrupt officials inside the country, but has taken measures to track those who have fled overseas. Operation Sky Net, the global hunt for corrupt Chinese fugitives, has seen positive results since it was launched three years ago.

On July 31, Huang Hong became the 43rd fugitive on China's 100 most-wanted list to be brought back to the country. The public accountant was charged with misusing public money and had been on the run for 19 years.

Zhang Qingzhao (C), featuring on an Interpol list of China's 100 most-wanted fugitives, is repatriated from the Caribbean state of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, February 6, 2016. /Xinhua Photo

"Zero tolerance, zero loopholes and zero obstacles. China's commitment to fighting corruption sends a key message: There's nowhere to hide for fugitives," said Wang Xiumei, a criminal law professor at Beijing Normal University.

Attempts to get fugitives back have been difficult in the past, as most of these individuals flee to countries with no extradition treaty with China.

Fu Yaobo (L2), one of China's most wanted fugitives, signs on the arrest warrant as he is taken back under escort at Beijing capital airport, February 6, 2016. /Xinhua Photo

Zhao Bingzhi, chairman of the China Committee at the International Association of Penal Law, was personally involved in the hunting of Huang Haiyong, the convicted crude soybean oil smuggler. Huang was repatriated from Peru after eight years of painstaking efforts of the Chinese authorities.

"I was an expert witness in the Huang Haiyong's trial. The Inter-American court, initially concerned with death penalty and human rights violations in China, eventually was assured that Huang will receive a fair trial back home. The case shows China's respect for the rule of law," said Zhao.

Sun Xin (C), one of China's most wanted fugitives, has been sentenced to 14 years and six months in prison under embezzlement and corruption charges. /Xinhua Photo

Such cases are smoothing the way for China's international manhunt. China has so far signed 48 extradition treaties, and in cases where a treaty is absent, a case-by-case agreement is made.

China's Operation Sky Net has brought home 3,051 fugitives, and recovered close to nine billion yuan, or 1.2 billion US dollars of illegal gains as of May 31 this year.

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