China extradites economic crime suspect from South Africa

BEIJING, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese police have extradited a man surnamed Chen, who is suspected of involvement in illegal business operations, from South Africa, China's Ministry of Public Security (MPS) said on Monday.

The case marks the first successful extradition since the extradition treaty between the two countries came into effect.

According to investigators, Chen allegedly ran an unauthorized currency exchange business for illegal profit, with the amount involved exceeding 49 million yuan (about 7 million U.S. dollars). In June 2020, a procuratorate in Shanghai approved his arrest on suspicion of illegal business operations. He was captured by South African police in July 2025, after which China submitted an extradition request. In December 2025, a South African court ruled that Chen should be extradited to China.

The MPS said the successful extradition underscored the two countries' resolve to combat crimes together and described it as a milestone in strengthening bilateral judicial and law enforcement cooperation.