China, Philippines cooperate to repatriate kidnapping suspect

Chinese and Philippine law enforcement authorities have cooperated in the repatriation of a Chinese national suspected of participating in multiple kidnapping cases involving Chinese citizens in the Philippines, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said on Tuesday.

The suspect, identified by his surname Fan, was repatriated to China on Saturday, according to a statement posted on the embassy's WeChat account.

Fan had lived in the Philippines for years and previously worked in the online gambling industry before joining a criminal group allegedly led by a person identified as Shi, the embassy said.

He is suspected of participating in multiple kidnapping cases involving Chinese citizens, according to the statement.

The embassy said Chinese law enforcement agencies will continue to pursue suspects involved in crimes against Chinese citizens overseas.

"Chinese police will pursue criminals who prey on their fellow citizens in the Philippines and bring them to justice, no matter how far they flee," the embassy said.