China releases wanted list for worldwide fugitive hunt

BEIJING - Interpol's National Central Bureau of China has released a wanted list of 100 persons worldwide as the country intensifies hunt for economic fugitives.

On the list are officials and state organ functionaries allegedly involved in key corruption crimes based on ample evidence and on Interpol's Red Notice for international arrest, said a statement released Wednesday by the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI).

The list, publicized on the CCDI website (www.ccdi.gov.cn), is complete with the suspects' photos, ID and visa numbers, possible flight destinations and the crimes they allegedly committed.

"Via Interpol and other channels, China has requested law enforcement organs in related countries strengthen cooperation and help bring these suspects back to justice," it said.

The move was part of the "Sky Net" anti-corruption campaign that aims to repatriate Chinese suspected of official or economic corruption. Sky Net combines government, the Communist Party, the central bank and diplomatic services.

According to the CCDI, those on Wednesday's list were only a fraction of the country's targets, and future suspects escaping overseas will receive the same treatment on a case-by-case, person-by-person basis.

"With intensified effort, a 'sky net' is being weaved. We will strengthen law enforcement cooperation with other countries and mobilize various resources to make these fugitives unwelcome guests and finally bring them back to justice," the statement said.