The video Li recorded from abroad. Screenshot of Pingan Hubei

On Thursday, a man surnamed Li, one of 18 fugitives wanted by the Public Security Bureau of Central China's Hubei Province, turned himself in because he couldn't stand a life on the run. 

Li was wanted on charges of aiding cybercrimes on March 15. "After the arrest warrant was issued, I saw my picture on the internet and I felt regret for my actions," said Li, who has been hoping to return to China but dared not face the consequences. He filmed a video from abroad and sent it to police: "I am willing to return to China and turn myself in," he says in the video. Recalling his experience as a fugitive, Li cannot forget how he had to climb mountains at night for eight hours to reach the border. "Out there, people like me can be sold like commodities to criminal groups." Now, both a lawful punishment and the beginning of a new life await him.