China nabs 428 in international anti-graft operation

Chinese police have arrested 428 fugitives suspected of committing economic crimes in an international manhunt that began in July, the ministry of public security said Thursday.

The fugitives were seized in 60 counties and regions. Of them, 141 were involved in economic crimes involving over 10 million yuan ($1.63 million), and 32 have been on the run for more than 10 years, Xinhua reported citing the ministry.

Of the suspects caught in the campaign, 231 turned themselves in, it added.

China launched its "Fox Hunt 2014" campaign targeting corrupt officials and suspects in economic crimes who have fled the country, and gave criminals a deadline to give themselves up before Dec 1.

The ministry said that although the deadline has passed, some fugitives have reported themselves and intend to return to China to surrender.

Chinese police will make the utmost efforts to catch those who still refuse to turn themselves and will impose harsh punishment on them, the ministry said.

"As long as there is one at large, the hunt will never end," said Liu Jinguo, vice minister of public security, adding that "Fox Hunt 2014" has become a strong symbol for China to carry out an international anti-corruption drive.

The ministry said it would strengthen law enforcement cooperation worldwide and broaden international coordination channels so as to crack down on fugitives.