The immigration odyssey of one of China's most wanted men continues, after the Federal Court of Canada in Vancouver Monday granted a temporary stay to Lai Changxing blocking his deportation.For 11 years, Lai has fought his return to China to face allegations he masterminded a vast smuggling ring that cheated the government out of billions of dollars in duties on imported goods and bribed officials to look the other way.
He is also alleged to owe the Chinese government at least $300 million in back taxes.
Lai was arrested in Vancouver late last week as the possibility of his removal drew near.
Extradition possible July 22
A detention hearing is underway to determine if he poses a flight risk, but the federal court has granted the temporary stay until a hearing July 21.
If Lai loses that appeal, he could be deported back to China as soon as July 22.
Lai lost his initial refugee claim, but the Federal Court of Canada had been blocking his removal because it does not accept Chinese guarantees Lai would not be tortured or killed.
A lawyer for the Canada Border Services Agency asked the Immigration and Refugee Board Monday to detain the Chinese fugitive until after the federal court decision, saying he poses a flight risk and has ties to organized crime.
Lawyer Kevin Boothroyd told the board Lai should be held until then because he poses a flight risk. He said Lai could be expelled from the country as early as July 25.
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Source: CBC news
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