The Nigeria Police Force has arrested and repatriated a Chinese national, Xu Qing, to the People’s Republic of China over his alleged involvement in a massive $245 million Ponzi-style fraud scheme.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the operation was carried out by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja in collaboration with Chinese authorities.
Xu Qing was declared wanted in Beijing for allegedly orchestrating a scheme involving the illegal absorption of public deposits, which defrauded investors of over $245 million. He reportedly fled China to Nigeria on November 5, 2024, 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 credible intelligence and through sustained surveillance, INTERPOL operatives tracked and arrested the suspect on April 24, 2026, at a factory in Olowotedo, Siun Village, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State. He was repatriated to China on April 28, 2026, under bilateral police cooperation arrangements.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, described the successful operation as a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation against transnational organized crime. He emphasized that Nigeria will not serve as a safe haven for fugitives.
The IGP also advised Nigerian employers and businesses to conduct thorough due diligence, including background checks through the police, before engaging foreign nationals. This latest repatriation shows ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities and INTERPOL to combat cross-border financial crimes, including Ponzi schemes and cyber-enabled frauds often linked to foreign syndicates operating in the country.
