One in Five Fugitives Fleeing Prosecution Heads to China

1,559 Fugitives with Suspended Indictments Fled Abroad in Five Years
United States Ranks Second, Vietnam Third as Top Destinations for Fugitives

One out of every five individuals whose indictments were suspended and who fled abroad while under prosecution investigation headed to China, according to recent data. Over the past five years, the top three countries for fugitives were China, the United States, and Vietnam.

On October 2, 2025, the first passenger terminal at Incheon International Airport was crowded with travelers ahead of the Chuseok golden holiday. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

On October 3, Assemblyman Park Juntae of the People Power Party, a member of the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee, released data from the Ministry of Justice showing that 1,559 individuals with suspended indictments fled overseas in the past five years.

By year, there were 342 in 2021, 332 in 2022, 418 in 2023, 315 in 2024, and 152 from January to June this year.

By country, China accounted for the largest number with 326 individuals (20.9%), followed by the United States with 218 (14.0%), Vietnam with 134 (8.6%), the Philippines with 128 (8.2%), and Thailand with 98 (6.3%).

In 2021, the United States was the most preferred destination for those with suspended indictments (78 individuals, 22.8%), but since 2022, more have chosen to flee to China.

The proportion heading to China has steadily increased: 17.5% in 2021, 21.4% in 2022, 20.6% in 2023, 23.2% in 2024, and 23.7% from January to June this year.

Conversely, the proportion fleeing to the United States decreased from 22.8% in 2021 to 13.6% in 2022, then to 11% in 2023, 10.2% in 2024, and 11.2% from January to June this year.

During the same period, the proportion fleeing to Southeast Asian countries-including the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore-rose significantly from 14.9% to 28.3%.

By crime type, the largest group of fugitives were suspected of fraud, with 447 individuals (28.7%) fleeing abroad. Violations of the Narcotics Control Act followed, with 210 individuals (13.5%).

Assemblyman Park stated, "Responding to international crime requires real-time action without delay. In particular, since countries like China, the Philippines, and Thailand have significant exchanges with our citizens, it is essential to strengthen cooperation with local judicial authorities and establish swift extradition procedures."