China nabs 428 suspects in intl anti-graft net

BEIJING - Chinese police have seized 428 fugitives suspected of committing economic crimes in an international manhunt that began in July, the Ministry of Public Security said Thursday.

The fugitives were seized in 60 countries and regions. Of those seized, 141 were involved in economic crimes involving over 10 million yuan ($1.63 million dollars), and 32 have been at large for more than 10 years, the ministry said.

Of the suspects seized in the campaign, 231 turned themselves in, it added.

China launched its "Fox Hunt 2014" campaign targeting corrupt officials and suspects in economic crimes who have fled the country, and gave criminals a deadline to give themselves up before Dec. 1.

The ministry said that although the deadline has passed, some fugitives have reported themselves and intend to return to China to surrender.

Those who have already reported themselves to relevant overseas bureaus and will return to China before Dec. 31 may also receive more lenient sentences, the ministry said.

Chinese police will make the utmost efforts to catch those who still refuse to turn themselves in during the last days and will impose harsh punishment, the ministry said.

"As long as there is one at large, the hunt will never end," said Liu Jinguo, Vice Minister of Public Security, adding that "Fox Hunt 2014" has become a strong symbol for China to carry out an international anti-corruption drive.

According to the ministry, the campaign has adopted advanced technologies and reinforced international police cooperation to seize suspects and make breakthroughs in Africa, the South Pacific, and western Europe.

The ministry said that it will strengthen law enforcement cooperation worldwide and broaden international coordination channels so as to crack down on fugitives.