China provides update on returned corruption fugitives

Chinese police escort Li Huabo (C), second of the list of China's "100 most wanted economic fugitives" after he arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport on May 9, 2015. [Photo: Xinhua]

China Wednesday released an update on the cases of 40 corruption fugitives on the Interpol red list who have either voluntarily returned or been extradited to China, including two who had been spared from prosecution.

As of Monday, 15 of returned fugitives had already received verdicts ranging from an exemption from criminal penalty to life in prison, according to a statement from an office in charge of fugitive repatriation and asset recovery under the central anti-corruption coordination group.

The cases of another nine fugitives had been accepted by courts, but no sentence has been given yet. Some 13 other cases are still under investigation or awaiting review, according to the office.

One case was withdrawn in late 2015 after prosecutors confirmed the death of the suspect, Gu Zhenfang, in Thailand.

The Interpol red notice of 100 Chinese corruption fugitives was released in April 2015.