Bali Bust: Chinese Fraud Suspect Arrested in Indonesia

A Chinese suspect involved in a USD 14 billion investment scam was arrested by Indonesia's immigration authorities in Bali. The suspect, identified only as LQ, was caught after airport biometric data flagged an Interpol warrant. The potential extradition to China is under consideration.

Indonesian immigration officers apprehended a Chinese national sought by Beijing for orchestrating a USD 14 billion investment fraud, officials confirmed Thursday. The arrest occurred in Bali, where biometric data at Ngurah Rai international airport flagged the suspect as an individual under an Interpol warrant.

The suspect, referred to only by the initial LQ, attempted to depart for Singapore on October 1 when his biometric data at the airport's auto-gate matched that of the wanted individual, leading to his detention. The suspect allegedly operated under a Turkish passport since arriving from Singapore in late September, the day before an Interpol Red Notice was issued.

Authorities in Jakarta presented the detained suspect, clad in an orange shirt, to media without allowing any statements. Discussions regarding his extradition to China are ongoing, with Indonesia verifying the legitimacy of his claimed Turkish citizenship.

(With inputs from agencies.)