Yan set to return to China

Controversial Auckland businessman William Yan is understood to be heading back to China to speak with authorities.

Just under what circumstances he’s going, remain shrouded in mystery. Yan has been branded an economic fugitive by his own country, and China allege he embezzled hundreds of millions of dollars before fleeing to New Zealand.

Concerns over his safety should he return to China - including arrest, imprisonment, execution and organ harvesting - formed the basis for then Associate Immigration Minister Shane Jones to grant him New Zealand citizenship in 2008.

It seems those concerns are no longer an issue, as Yan is travelling to China in the coming weeks to be interviewed by Chinese authorities. But there is no suggestion he’s being deported or forced back, despite China seeking that in the past.

Yan - who is also known as Bill Liu - remains a New Zealand citizen, and is therefore entitled to consular assistance overseas, should he require it.

His lawyer Paul Wicks QC would not comment and said Yan was not willing to speak to media.

This month, Yan was at the centre of the single largest forfeiture in New Zealand. He, his wife and two associates, surrendered almost $43 million to police in late August, following a years-long money laundering inquiry.

While the settlement figure was made public, other parts of the deal - which was approved by the High Court - were kept secret.

The money would be shared between the New Zealand Chinese Governments.

Police have confirmed Yan was not going back to China as part of the deal they struck.

Detective Superintendent Greg Williams, head of the Financial Crime Group, said: ’’Resolving matters with China is between China and Mr Yan and independent from the civil case the Commissioner took against Mr Yan.’’

Yan has not been charged with any money-laundering offences and has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully was in China for the first half of last week to talk on a number of issues.

It’s understood the trip was planned at relatively short notice, but asked before his departure, if he would seek assurances over and Yan’s fair treatment there, McCully refused to comment.

New Zealand is embroiled in a number of tensions with it’s major trading partner, and it’s likely discussions will span trade, defence and extradition issues, for which Prime Minister John Key appeared to soften his stance during a state visit to China in April. - Fairfax NZ