SAPS extradites 63-year-old Fujia Chen to a Chinese delegation at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday 30 January after a Johannesburg court approved his extradition on 20 January 2026, reports Cape {town} Etc.
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Chen faces charges of defrauding the Chinese government of about R120 million through an unregistered foreign currency exchange operation between 2020 and 2021, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said. ‘He allegedly defrauded the Chinese government of R120 million,’ SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe told SABC.
WATCH | A 63-year-old Chinese national is set to be extradited for defrauding the Chinese government of R120m. SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe has more details. pic.twitter.com/NuvVX8jI3f
— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 30, 2026
According to TimesLive, police arrested Chen after a tip from the United States Embassy in July 2025 prompted checks that led to an Interpol Red Notice and his detention in South Africa. Authorities say he tried to apply for a US visa while living here since 2021.
SAPS described the handover as evidence of growing cooperation against transnational crime and said it will pursue at least 18 other Chinese nationals believed to be wanted for related offences. ‘There is no hiding place for criminals who believe they can escape justice by crossing borders,’ Mathe added.
The accused is now on a plane back to China where legal proceedings will continue once local authorities take custody.
Anyone with information about other suspects was urged to contact Interpol South Africa or the SAPS National Central Bureau.
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Picture: Screenshot / X
