China has issued a list of 100 wanted fugitives - and up to 20 are believed to be hiding in New Zealand, though the Government says it hasn't received any formal requests from Chinese authorities to extradite Chinese nationals.
Photo: RNZ
China's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said most were executives and public officials wanted on suspicion of corruption, who have fled abroad to escape prosecution.
It has published the photos and details of each fugitive and named a number of countries where they are believed to be hiding, saying between 11 and 20 are in New Zealand.
The police have confirmed some of the people on the list are living in this country.
The list has been issued through Interpol, which is reported to want foreign governments to send the suspects back to China.
China has also been stepping up pressure on foreign governments to extradite corruption suspects.
A spokesperson for the New Zealand Police said they would not discuss individuals but they would liase with international authorities over the issue.
A spokesperson for Justice Minister Amy Adams said there was no formal extradition treaty with China but the minister would consider any request on a case-by-case basis.