China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin. Photo: VCG

Zhou Mengbo, former deputy Party secretary of China Railway Group (CREC), was arrested and repatriated back to China, for reportedly committing serious crimes connected to his previous position, China's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

Zhou fled aboard in May 2019. China submitted a request to law enforcement departments overseas, and was in dialogue with foreign authorities in conducting the arrest and repatriation of Zhou back to China, Wang Wenbin, spokesperson of China's Foreign Ministry, said at a routine press conference on Thursday.

"The case of Zhou is a major achievement of the pursuit of fugitives and stolen assets through international law enforcement cooperation," Wang said, adding that China appreciates and thanks the strong support and assistance given by the countries involved.

Wang said that corruption is common enemy of the mankind, and the fight against corruption has gained broad support all over the world. He noted that the pursuit of fugitives and stolen assets is an important element in strengthening international cooperation against corruption.

"China will continue to implement in-depth international judicial cooperation with relevant governments, jointly fighting against transnational corruption in accordance with the anti-corruption pact and the related bilateral treaty and agreement," Wang said.

Global Times