NPF ARRESTS, REPATRIATES $245M PONZI SCHEME SUSPECT TO CHINA

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested and repatriated a Chinese fugitive, Xu Qing, to the People’s Republic of China over his alleged involvement in a $245 million Ponzi scheme.

The operation was carried out through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau Abuja following a formal request from Chinese authorities, who had declared the suspect wanted in Beijing for large-scale financial fraud involving illegal absorption of public deposits.

Investigations revealed that Xu Qing fled China to Nigeria on November 5, 2024, in a bid to evade arrest. A warrant was subsequently issued against him on November 12, 2025, by the Shinan Sub-Bureau of Qingdao Public Security.

Acting on intelligence and sustained surveillance, INTERPOL operatives tracked and arrested the suspect on April 24, 2026, at a factory in Olowotedo Siun Village, within Obafemi Owode Local Government Area.

He was subsequently repatriated to China on April 28, 2026, under bilateral police cooperation arrangements to face prosecution.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the force to strengthening international collaboration in tackling transnational organised crime.

He also advised Nigerian employers and business entities to carry out proper due diligence, including background checks through the police, before engaging foreign nationals.

The police reiterated that Nigeria will not serve as a safe haven for fugitives, stressing its resolve to combat cross-border criminal activities.