3,051 Chinese corruption suspects chased down abroad in “Sky Net” campaign

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More than 3,000 Chinese fugitives wanted on corruption charges have been repatriated from over 100 different countries and regions in the first three years of a special campaign to chase them down, according to official data.

The “Sky Net” operation was launched on June 27, 2014, coordinating efforts by the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the Supreme People's Court, the Supreme People's Procuratorate, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of State Security, Ministry of Justice, and People's Bank of China.

These government bodies released a report on Tuesday showing that 541 of the total 3,051 fugitives repatriated were national-level officials, and that the campaign has seen the seizure of nine billion yuan (1.3 billion US dollars) in suspected illegal earnings.

Forty-one of those repatriated featured on the "100 most wanted" list and were subject to an Interpol Red Notice.

VCG Photo

Expanding the network of extradition treaties

New extradition treaties with Argentina and Ethiopia were ratified on Tuesday at a bimonthly session of the National People's Congress Standing Committee.

China has such treaties with 48 countries, including France and Italy. To support formal extradition efforts, China also pushes for judicial cooperation through "mutual legal assistance treaties" covering 59 countries including the US, Canada and Australia. Financial intelligence exchange cooperation agreements have also been reached with 42 countries and regions, including the US.