2017年CRI China tightens overseas anti-corruption measures

Since the launch of Operation Skynet in 2014, over 24-hundred fugitives 1 have been repatriated 2 to China from over 70 different countries and regions around the world.

The campaign not only brings back corrupt 3 officials, but is also designed to confiscate 4 their ill-gotten assets.

In the past, the loopholes in common laws, and the lack of bilateral 5 extradition 6 treaties, have made countries like United States, Canada and Australia popular destinations for corrupt Chinese officials to try to avoid prosecution 7.

Liu Jianchao, director of international cooperation office of the CPC's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection 8, says this situation has been changing.

"The number of fugitives has declined, which means that those people attempting to flee abroad have been deterred 9 by our work to trail fugitives and retrieve 10 illicit 11 money. It also means that we have made great progress in preventing suspects from fleeing abroad. For example, the stricter license 12 management and control of the people found to be involved with problems have proved effective."

To increase the fight, Chinese authorities have released a list of its 100 most-wanted Chinese fugitives abroad.

Liu Jianchao notes that most of the fugitives who have since been caught have surrendered on their own, given the new steps authorities have taken to increase international anti-corruption 13 cooperation.

"Now that we have a tough posture 14 to trail fugitives and retrieve illicit money globally, these people come under increased pressure. No matter what kind of vehicles they may have, and no matter what kind of houses they may live in, they are in a constant state of anxiety. Therefore, I want to warn them that the hunters are getting closer and closer to them." 

Since the launch of the Skynet campaign, China has quickly become one of the leaders in global anti-graft cooperation.

Roonie Lins, a Brazilian expert on China issues, says countries around the world are now looking at China's global campaign as a model they too can use to deal with their own corruption issues.

"China's anti-corruption campaign can enhance its step in realizing the Chinese dream. Corruption has demonstrated new features, new forms and new methods, as it evolved over time. Just as President Xi Jinping mentioned, the innovation of anti-corruption measures is crucial. Efforts should be taken from the system and mechanism 15, thus to better adapt to new circumstances."

In addressing the now-concluded anti-corruption session in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned that the fight against corruption both inside and outside China will not be letting up this year.