The CCDI also set up an international cooperation department in 2014, to better facilitate operations against fugitives overseas. The Ministry of Public Security launched a special operation code-named "Fox Hunt", while the Supreme People's Procuratorate began an operation targeting people who were set to be tried for dereliction of duty but absconded overseas before their case could come to court.
Last year, the CCDI started "Skynet", a program to coordinate efforts to bring errant fugitives to justice.
"Suspected government officials and crooked business people in the private sector are on the Interpol list. Those who worked for State-run departments or enterprises have chosen to hide in economically advanced countries, such as the US, Canada and New Zealand, because they can access a favorable living environment and a well-rounded legal system which they believe will favor their interests," said Huang Feng, a professor of international criminal law at Beijing Normal University.
Huang said prospective fugitives plan their disappearances long in advance, and in some cases, they spend years making preparations to flee.
"Before they are targeted as corruption suspects, they apply for immigrant status for their families and obtain permanent resident status in another country," Huang said. "Then they launder the illicit money and move it offshore."
Searches continue
This year, there has been no letup in the efforts to net fugitives overseas. Cai Wei, deputy head of the CCDI's international cooperation department, said the commission will announce a second batch of names subject to Interpol's intervention in May.
However, the anti-graft authorities are looking for more than just the 100 most-wanted fugitives on the Interpol list.
Cai underscored the need for efficient work practices at all levels of anti-graft work, and urged improvements in the suspects' information system, more-stringent customs checks and stronger measures to freeze illicit assets.
At the international level, by the end of last month, China and 71 countries had signed treaties related to judicial assistance and extradition, plus combating separatism, extremism and terrorism.
"It's been encouraging to see China signing an average of five new treaties related to judicial assistance with other countries every year in the past decade," Huang said. "In the years to come, the anti-corruption authorities are likely to require international assistance.
"The judicial departments have a long way to go in stepping up international collaboration. At the moment, it's important for justice officers to become familiar with international rules and procedures in judicial cooperation, so they will become more competent and more efficient at netting fugitives overseas," he said.
