Chinese Fugitive Caught Hiding In SA Extradited For R120m Fraud Scam

A 63-year-old Chinese national who had been hiding in South Africa has been extradited to China to face fraud charges linked to an alleged R120 million scheme.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that Fujia Chen was handed over to a Chinese delegation through Interpol and was scheduled to leave South Africa on Friday.

According to police, Chen is accused of defrauding the Chinese government of R120 million through an unregistered foreign currency exchange operation.

Chinese Suspect fled China after accomplices were arrested

Police said Chen fled to South Africa in 2021 after his alleged accomplices were arrested in China.

“He was hiding in South Africa up until he attempted to apply for a US visa,” said national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.

Following the visa application, authorities moved swiftly to track him down.

Extradition order granted as police hunt more fugitives

Mathe confirmed that Chen was arrested and had been in custody for the past six months.

“An extradition order was granted on January 20, 2026.

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“He is on a flight back to China, where he will stand trial for crimes committed,” she said.

During a recent engagement with a Chinese delegation led by acting Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection Lieutenant General Khosi Senthumule, police revealed that a further 18 Chinese fugitives believed to be in South Africa are being targeted for arrest.

Eleven of the suspects have already been placed on Interpol’s red notice list.