South African authorities have established a dedicated team to track down 18 Chinese fugitives believed to be hiding within the country, following the recent extradition of a high-profile suspect accused of defrauding the Chinese government.
Chen Fujia, 63, was escorted out of OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg, on Friday morning. Chen had reportedly been in hiding in South Africa since 2021 and is accused of defrauding Chinese authorities of approximately R120 million. His extradition underscores South Africa’s ongoing commitment to international cooperation in combating financial crimes and cross-border fugitives.
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that a specialized unit has been set up to locate the remaining 18 fugitives. “We have set up a team to look into where those 18 are and where they are hiding in the country. Eleven of them are on Red Notices,” Mathe said, referring to the Interpol alerts issued for wanted criminals. “It’s quite worrying that we have people who see South Africa as a destination or a place where they can hide from their criminal activities, but what is also encouraging is that we are able to trace them, locate them, arrest them, and hand them over.”
The announcement comes amid increasing scrutiny over South Africa’s role as a transit and hiding point for international fugitives. Police officials stress that the country is taking robust steps to prevent it from becoming a safe haven for individuals wanted abroad.
Mathe added that the country has made significant progress in international extradition efforts. “From April 1, 2024, we have handed over 20 fugitives from South Africa to other countries and about eight were extradited back into the country,” she said. These measures reflect a growing collaboration between South African authorities and international law enforcement agencies to combat financial crimes, fraud, and other serious offenses.
While Chen Fujia’s extradition marks a significant achievement, authorities emphasize that the work is far from over. The police team tasked with finding the remaining 18 fugitives is using intelligence-gathering techniques, surveillance, and coordination with international partners to track their movements. The fugitives are reportedly dispersed across different parts of South Africa, making the operation complex and resource-intensive.
Experts say that high-profile financial crimes involving international actors can have wider implications for South Africa, including reputational risks and concerns about the country’s ability to prevent itself from becoming a haven for white-collar criminals. By actively pursuing these fugitives, law enforcement aims to send a clear message that South Africa will not tolerate those attempting to evade justice on its soil.
As investigations continue, the police urge the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could aid in the capture of the fugitives. Authorities emphasize that their mandate extends not only to protecting South African citizens but also to supporting global efforts to ensure accountability and justice for crimes committed abroad.
The hunt for these fugitives is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with law enforcement agencies committed to ensuring that all suspects are located, apprehended, and extradited in accordance with the law.