The Nigeria Police Force has arrested and repatriated a Chinese national, Xu Qing, to the People’s Republic of China over his alleged role in a $245 million Ponzi scheme.
The suspect was apprehended in Nigeria following an INTERPOL Red Notice and a formal request from Chinese authorities. Police said Xu had been on the run after allegedly orchestrating a large-scale investment fraud that defrauded thousands of victims in China.
Confirming the development on Tuesday, Force Public Relations Officer Assistant Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the arrest was the result of coordinated intelligence-sharing between the Nigeria Police and the Chinese Ministry of Public Security through INTERPOL Nigeria.
“Xu Qing is wanted in China for masterminding a $245 million Ponzi scheme that targeted unsuspecting investors,” Adejobi stated. “He was tracked to Nigeria and taken into custody before being handed over to Chinese law enforcement officials for prosecution.”
The police did not disclose the exact date or location of the arrest but said the operation was conducted in line with Nigeria’s Extradition Act and international policing protocols.
Adejobi said the repatriation reflects Nigeria’s commitment to global crime-fighting and its zero-tolerance stance on transnational fraud. He added that the Force would continue to collaborate with international partners to track and apprehend fugitives hiding in the country.
“This action sends a clear message that Nigeria will not serve as a safe haven for criminals, regardless of nationality,” he said.
The Nigeria Police Force urged the public to report suspicious financial activities and foreign nationals engaged in questionable business operations.
The $245 million scheme is one of the largest cross-border financial fraud cases involving a Chinese national linked to Nigeria in recent years.
