The Nigeria Police Force has arrested and repatriated a Chinese national, Xu Qing, over his alleged involvement in a $245million Ponzi scheme, authorities said on Wednesday.
The suspect was returned to the People’s Republic of China to face prosecution following a coordinated international operation led by INTERPOL operatives in Nigeria.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon, the arrest was carried out by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja after a formal request from Chinese authorities.
The statement partly read: “The repatriation followed a formal request from Chinese authorities, who declared the suspect wanted in Beijing for his alleged involvement in a financial fraud scheme estimated at over Two Hundred and Forty-Five Million United States Dollars ($245,000,000).
“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.
“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,” the statement noted.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening global partnerships in tackling transnational organised crime.
He stressed that Nigeria would not serve as a safe haven for fugitives fleeing justice in other jurisdictions.
“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.
The police boss also advised Nigerian employers and business organisations to carry out thorough background checks, particularly when engaging foreign nationals.
He urged businesses to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to verify the identities and records of potential partners and employees.
The development highlights growing cooperation between Nigerian law enforcement and international partners in tracking and apprehending suspects involved in cross-border financial crimes.
Authorities say such collaborations are critical in addressing the increasing sophistication of global fraud networks and ensuring accountability across jurisdictions.
