Former fugitive Lai Changxing confesses $10 billion smuggling

Former fugitive Lai Changxing confesses $10 billion smuggling

BEIJING — China's most-wanted man, who was deported from Canada in July after a decade-long legal battle, has admitted to his crimes and will now be handed over to prosecutors

Beijing had sought the deportation of Lai Changxing for years, accusing him of running a multi-billion dollar smuggling ring in the southeastern city of Xiamen in the 1990s.

The move brings authorities a step closer to a conclusion in one of China's most lurid, long-running corruption cases.

Lai and other key members of the syndicate have "confessed to the facts of the smuggling and bribery charges without concealing anything," the report said.

The "legal rights" of Lai and the other suspects were "fully guaranteed," with Lai able to meet with his lawyer, state radio added.

He is alleged to have run a mansion in which he plied officials with liquor and prostitutes.

Sources:
 msnbc.com