China urges corrupt officials abroad to turn themselves in

China is urging suspects in economic crimes and corrupt officials who have fled to other countries and regions to give themselves up to the police before December 1, according to a government document issued Friday.

Jointly issued by the ministries of foreign affairs and public security as well as the Supreme People's Court and Supreme People's Procuratorate, the document states that suspects can turn themselves in via letters, telegrams or phone calls through foreign embassies. Acquaintances of those suspects are encouraged to offer tip-offs to the police and persuade the suspects to turn themselves in.

"Those who honestly confess their crimes and who are willing to come back to China could be given a lesser punishment," read the document. "In particular, whistle-blowers and those who can recover the economic losses could be dealt with leniently, or even be exempted."

It also warned that people who attempt to help the suspects hide or destroy evidence of crimes will be investigated for criminal responsibility according to the law.

Around 160,000 to 180,000 government officials, company managers and organization leaders have gone missing since the 1990s after they pocketed a total of 800 billion yuan ($130 billion), media reported.

A total of 128 economic fugitives have been captured in more than 40 countries and regions after the launch of "Fox Hunt 2014" in July this year, a special campaign aiming to bring suspects in economic crimes, and corrupt officials who fled abroad, back to the country for justice.