Prosecutors to target overseas illicit assets

Prosecutors pursuing corrupt officials who have moved overseas with illegally accrued fortunes will start to target the fugitives' assets, according to the Supreme People's Procuratorate.

The focus on confiscating assets is a new initiative and will be brought in during the coming months. Previously, national prosecutors prioritized bringing corrupt fugitives back to China to stand trial before attempting to confiscate funds that had been collected illegally and transferred abroad.

As part of the new action, national prosecutors will strengthen law enforcement cooperation with relevant countries, especially Western destinations, so they can locate and seize illicitly-acquired proceeds. They will also work closely with other authorities to attempt to stop corrupt officials from fleeing the country in the first place.