Fugitive suspect returns to China

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A high-profile fugitive suspect who had been at large for more than seven years has turned himself in amid Chinese authorities' intensifying efforts to track down suspected criminals who have avoided justice.

The Ministry of Public Security published a statement on its website on Monday afternoon stating that Gao Shan has returned to China from Canada following the law enforcement authority's "long-term" pursuit.

Gao, former head of a branch of the State-owned Bank of China in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, is suspected of racketeering nearly 1 billion yuan ($157 million) together with Li Dongzhe, another suspect, from State-owned companies and government departments through banknote fraud between 2000 and 2004, according to the statement.

The statement said Gao fled overseas with others in December 2004.

Gao's alleged crimes were revealed in January 2005 when a company discovered more than 290 million yuan had disappeared from its account at Gao's bank.

The case was called the biggest fraud in Heilongjiang since 1949.

"Police authorities have been persistent in bringing fugitives including Gao Shan to justice over recent years. Gao Shan finally decided to return and turn himself in," said the statement.

Li, Gao's co-accused, returned from Canada in January.

Gao is the latest of a handful of suspected criminals who have returned to China to face trial despite difficulties in getting fugitives to return to the country due to the absence of extradition treaties between China and many Western countries.

China has signed extradition treaties with 37 countries and criminal justice agreements with 47 others, according to the latest official figures from the ministry.

Questions:

1. Which country did the fugitive return from?

2. How much is Gao suspected of racketeering?

3. How many countries has China signed extradition treaties with?

Answers:

1. Canada

2. One billion yuan ($157 million).

3. 37.

About the broadcaster:

Lee Hannon is Chief Editor at China Daily with 15-years experience in print and broadcast journalism. Born in England, Lee has traveled extensively around the world as a journalist including four years as a senior editor in Los Angeles. He now lives in Beijing and is happy to move to China and join the China Daily team.