Smuggler's conviction inspires more China-Canada justice cooperation

Beijing, May 18 (Xinhua-ANI): China will enhance law enforcement cooperation with Canada, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei promised on Friday upon the sentencing of Lai Changxing, a Chinese smuggler who bribed officials and spent time on the run in Canada..

"The judgement in this case has indicated China's determination in fighting crime and punishing corruption," Hong said at a routine press briefing.

Lai, the boss of a notorious smuggling ring, was sentenced to life imprisonment earlier on Friday by the Intermediate People's Court of Xiamen.

"This case also showcased the importance of Chinese-Canadian cooperation in the justice sector, and we will further such cooperation so as to promote state-to-state relations," Hong added.

The court found that Lai, 53, formed his smuggling operation by establishing firms and bases in Hong Kong and Xiamen since 1991.

According to the court, Lai and members of his ring bribed 64 government officials with 39.13 million yuan between 1991 and 1999.

He fled to Canada in mid 1999 but was repatriated to China on July 23, 2011. (Xinhua-ANI)