Fugitive surrenders following 4 months on run in Thailand

A most-wanted fugitive involved with organized crime returned to face charges after spending four months on the run in Thailand, according to the Ministry of Public Security on Thursday.

Zhang Lulei, 37, is the suspected leader of a mafia-like gang in Linfen, Shanxi province. He was previously convicted of intentional injury, fraud and stirring up trouble, and he served five years in prison, the ministry said.

Between 2010 and 2018, he allegedly led a gang to commit many crimes including illegal detention and blackmail in Linfen. In April, police in Linfen raided the gang, and he fled to Thailand to avoid capture, it said.

"As a fugitive in Bangkok, I was working in a local bar," he said. "I struggled with hardships and missed my family members very much. I decided to return to seek lenient punishment."

Two weeks ago, the ministry issued A-level warrants for 50 most-wanted fugitives suspected of committing major crimes. Twenty-three have been captured or returned to surrender from home and abroad, including Zhang, according to Jiang Guoli, deputy director at the ministry's criminal investigation bureau.

Among those 23 suspects, seven have gone to the public security departments to turn themselves in, including Zhang.

Two of those 23 are suspected of intentional homicide; eight are involved with mafia-like gangs; seven are accused of telecom fraud; and six are suspected of major fraud and extortion.

Liu Zhongyi, director of the ministry's criminal investigation bureau, said police will launch more active investigations into the fugitives and motivate the public to report clues about their whereabouts. A 100,000 yuan ($14,500) reward will be offered for the arrest of each fugitive.

"I hope the fugitives will consider their future and fate and think about their family and relatives, and then make the right decision as soon as possible to surrender and obtain leniency in return," he said.

According to the ministry, the remaining 27 fugitives are still at large in the country and abroad. All are involved with intentional homicide, rape, extortion, mafia-like gangs, serious violent crimes, drug trafficking and major offenses against property.

The ministry has released all of their birth dates, postures, heights, photos and addresses, and have identified their alleged crimes.

At the end of July, Chinese authorities also issued a statement urging the fugitives to voluntarily come and turn themselves in to obtain leniency.

According to the statement, if the fugitives return and confess their crimes before the end of Oct 31, they will be punished with leniency.

Those who don't surrender before the deadline will be severely punished without leniency. In addition, anyone who offers shelter, funds, transportation or other assistance to the suspects will be held criminally accountable.