A corrupt former Chinese official, who has been on the run, has surrendered to the Chinese government after over 15 years in New Zealand and Australia, according to a statement issued by the government on Saturday.

According to the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), the former head of the Tonghua Golden-Horse group Yang Yongming has finally surrendered to authorities. An investigation is ongoing into his charges.

Like Us on Facebook

"Yan surrendered to police and was returned to China in cooperation with New Zealand authorities," the CCDI said. "There is still no word on what charges he might face."

Yan fled to Australia back in 2001 after he was arraigned for fraud and embezzlement. He later became a New Zealand citizen under the name William Yan, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Yan is the 34th person on China's list of 100 most wanted fugitives to be returned to the country under the government's 'Sky Net' operation.

The Sky Net operation officially kicked off in April 2015 with the main aim of "capturing fugitive officials, cracking down on underground banks, and confiscating misappropriated assets."

The operation is under the supervision of the Communist's Party organizational department, the Ministry of Public Security, and the Bank of China.

A large number of the suspects on the 'Sky Net' list are believed to be in the US and Canada. New Zealand is the third most preferred destination for Chinese fugitives. It is believed to be home to about 11 Chinese culprits, according to Caixin.

Yang's assets, which were valued at over $31 million, have been seized. In a statement, the New Zealand government said that the assets had been acquired through illegal means in China. Some of Yang's assets include $2.8 million among other items seized.

This is the biggest seizure that New Zealand has ever had in its history.

Tagschina, China corruption, Sky Net, Communist Party of China