China Daily Global Edition (USA)
No letting up on the hunt
The office under the Central Anti-Corruption Coordination Group responsible for pursuing corrupt officials who have fled overseas issued a notice on Wednesday disclosing information on 50 fugitives suspected of duty-related or economic crimes, urging them to return to stand trial and also encouraging the public to offer clues to their whereabouts.
The issuing of the notice on the third anniversary of the “Skynet” action launched by the anti-corruption authority once again demonstrates the firm determination of the Communist Party of China Central Committee with General Secretary Xi Jinping as the core to pursue corrupt officials on the run.
Since the 18th Party Congress in 2012, the top authorities have made unprecedented efforts to hunt down corrupt officials who have fled overseas, and they have made truly remarkable progress in this endeavor. By the end of April 2018, a total of 4,141 fugitives had been returned to China from more than 90 countries and regions via the “Skynet” program, and nearly 10 billion yuan ($1.65 billion) recovered.
The establishment of the National Supervisory Commission will further strengthen the country’s anti-corruption work.
By issuing the latest notice, the top authorities are sending the strong message that no matter where corrupt officials try to hide, they will surely be seized and brought back to China to face justice. At the Second Plenary Session of the 19th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection in January, Xi stressed the need to strengthen international law enforcement cooperation to fight against corruption. This has set the direction and coordinates for China to pursue fugitives and recover their illicit money.
The latest notice by the anti-corruption watchdog, together with China’s ever-expanding “circle of friends”, further drives home the message that there is no safe heaven for corrupt officials.
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