Chinese Fugitive, 57, Nabbed by Interpol in Johannesburg Over Fraud Charges in China. Image: SAPS shared via X @SAPoliceService.
(The Post News)– A 57-year-old Chinese man wanted for fraud in China was arrested by the Interpol National Central Bureau in Johannesburg, South Africa.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Van Wyk, spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS), Interpol had issued a Red Notice and alerted member countries to assist in locating the suspect. The man had reportedly been travelling across multiple countries to evade arrest.
Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk stated that the suspect was apprehended at the United States Consulate in Sandton while applying for a visa. His identity and fugitive status matched the information on the Interpol wanted list.
It is believed that the 57-year-old Chinese national arrested in Johannesburg this week entered South Africa illegally through Zimbabwe in 2024. Authorities allege he used forged documents and a false identity to travel undetected.
This arrest adds to a growing list of international fugitives captured in South Africa in recent years. In 2023, Interpol’s National Central Bureau in South Africa apprehended Italian national Ernesto Genovese in Cape Town. Genovese was wanted in Italy for drug trafficking, organized crime, and attempted murder.
That same year, Colombian national Eduardo Rojas was arrested in Durban. He was wanted by Colombian authorities for cocaine smuggling and had ties to a major drug cartel. Rojas had also been living under a false identity at the time of his arrest.
In another high-profile case, a Czech gang leader fleeing justice in his home country was located and arrested in South Africa. He was later extradited back to the Czech Republic.
While these arrests demonstrate Interpol’s active role in combating transnational crime, they have also sparked criticism of South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs and Immigration.
Critics argue that weak border control and inadequate enforcement make it easier for international criminals to enter the country, evade capture, and operate with impunity.
The 57-year-old Chinese national appeared before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday following his arrest.
journalist-kgopotso@thepostnews.net
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