China’s ‘Corrupt Queen' back after 13 years on run

By Mahmut Atanur

BEIJING

A Chinese fugitive coined the "Corrupt Queen" by media has returned from the United States after 13 years on the run, according to state media.

State news agency Xinhua reported that Yang Xiuzhu, a former deputy mayor of Wenzhou city accused of embezzling $40 million, turned herself into authorities Wednesday.

The country’s top anti-graft watchdog, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), said the 70-year-old fled China in April 2003 after an embezzlement probe was launched by corruption inspectors.

Yang was number one on Interpol China's Top 100 most wanted list.

She was detained by American authorities in 2014 for illegal immigration, after having traveled to Singapore and the Netherlands.

Her return brings the number of fugitives on the lists who have been repatriated to 37.

Last month, the Ministry of Public Security revealed that 634 fugitives were repatriated this year.

Ministry data shows that a record number of 857 fugitives were seized from 66 countries and regions last year.

The CCDI revealed in July that 381 fugitives from more than 40 countries and regions had been repatriated in the first half of this year, with 1.24 billion yuan ($186 million) in assets recovered.