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China's most-wanted fugitive wants to return home
(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-08-06 16:13

China's most-wanted fugitive wants to return home
A file photo of Lai Changxing. [scol.com]

Lai Changxing, China's most-wanted fugitive, expressed hope of going back to his homeland in an interview recently, Chinese media reported Thursday.

Lai did not deny allegations against him of tax evasion and tax fraud, and said if the Canadian government decides to deport him, he has no objections.

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Lai's ex-wife and young daughter recently returned to Fujian, China, according to Jason Kenney, a Canadian immigration officer, China News Service reported Wednesday. Their return was said to be the latest breakthrough in China's efforts to win Lai's extradition.

Apart from tax evasion and fraud, Lai is also believed to have masterminded a smuggling scheme involving US$10 billion and sparked a high-profile corruption scandal in Fujian Province in the 1990s.

The Chinese government has been seeking Lai's extradition since 1999 and promised not to execute him. But the Canadian government so far has decided not to deport him to China as they believe Lai would face capital punishment.