China wants St Kitts-Nevis to help apprehend 'criminal' - reports

WIC News: Your home for St Kitts and Nevis news

Thursday, 11th May 2017

Ren Biao, the man reported to be at the centre of the citizenship scandal.

"Criminal gains" were used by a Chinese national to secure a passport by investment in St Kitts a Nevis, according to a statement from the Asian country's embassy.

It names Ren Biao as a fugitive who obtained citizenship in the Caribbean in 2013 by investing US$350,000 that it says was obtained fraudulently.

This is the latest twist in a scandal that has engulfed the current St Kitts and Nevis government as well as the previous administration.

Prime Minister Timothy Harris has denied any wrongdoing, blaming his predecessor for not taking necessary action on an Interpol red alert. Douglas Denzil, the former PM and no opposition leader, has repeatedly told WIC News that his government knew nothing about the claims against a Chinese national and called on the Harris-led to take action. Earlier this month he asked the prime minister to resign.

Relationship with officials?

According to radio station WINN FM, Chinese officials have asked the St Kitts and Nevis government to work with them in order to apprehend the "criminal suspect to China as soon as possible in order to prevent being a safe haven for criminals".

The Chinese government accuses Biao of swindling hundreds of millions from several banks, friends and relatives before fleeing to the federation and "leaving behind broken families".

WINN FM reports that Chinese police believe that "Biao told his relatives and friends that he had a close relation with a senior officer in the government of St Kitts and Nevis and they often met, played golf and dined".

According to this release that the officer promised not to repatriate Biao to China, the station aded.