Fifty Chinese nationals convicted in Madagascar for their involvement in online fraud networks have been transferred to China to continue serving their prison sentences.
The detainees were handed over to Chinese authorities on September 8 following a judicial cooperation arrangement between Madagascar and China.
The convicts travelled through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where they made a brief stopover before continuing to China. Security and escort arrangements were maintained throughout the transfer.
Madagascar authorities stressed that the transfer did not amount to a release, saying the convicts would continue serving their sentences in Chinese prisons.
The length of the sentences varies according to the individuals’ roles in the fraud networks. Those with lower-level involvement received terms ranging from two to five years, while organisers, employers and other senior figures were sentenced to between five and 10 years.
The transfer was carried out under international cooperation mechanisms established by the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, commonly known as the Palermo Convention, to which Madagascar acceded in 2005.
Authorities said other Chinese nationals detained and convicted in Madagascar for similar offences are expected to be transferred to China in subsequent operations.
The development was described as a significant outcome of judicial cooperation between Madagascar and China, with both countries expected to strengthen collaboration in tackling transnational online fraud.
Authorities said they were also working with other international partners to disrupt and dismantle online fraud networks operating across borders.
The Chinese government has maintained a tough stance against online fraud, saying Chinese nationals involved in such crimes would face prosecution and punishment without leniency.
It is also expanding bilateral cooperation with countries including Madagascar to combat cyber-enabled fraud, dismantle criminal networks and protect the interests of both countries and their citizens.
