New Zealand man sought by China settles case for £23.5 million


William Yan settled without acknowledging any criminal or civil liability, the police said. Police had previously seized homes, luxury cars including a Porsche and a Maserati, and stocks from the 47-year-old Yan, his wife and two associates, the statement said.
Police said they would release those items once Yan and the others handed over NZ$43m (£23.5m). Police said the money would then be split between the New Zealand and Chinese governments, with the amount each would get still to be determined.
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Hide AdNew Zealand authorities refused to answer further questions about the case, including whether China would attempt to extradite Yan. China’s embassy in Wellington did not immediately respond to questions.
The settlement is the largest of its kind ever made in New Zealand, and the first for crimes alleged to have occurred in China. But critics say it raises questions about why Yan isn’t facing charges and how much New Zealand is acquiescing to China’s demands.
China represents a crucial market for New Zealand’s agricultural exports, which include kiwi fruit and dairy products.
One of Yan’s Auckland-based lawyers, Simon Lance, said in an e-mail that his client “does not accept that he is guilty of embezzling money in China”.
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Hide AdAnother one of the lawyers, Marc Corlett, said that the settlement was a “commercial compromise” that would allow Yan to recover his seized assets and “return his focus to his business activities in New Zealand and elsewhere”.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said the police handle investigations independently and it is up to them to determine whether it is better to settle a case or pursue charges. But opposition MP Winston Peters said the way the case was handled was demeaning for New Zealand. “You know, we’re dancing on a pinhead for China in so many areas,” he said.
As part of an operation it calls Sky Net, China last year issued a list of its 100 most wanted economic fugitives, who it accuses of absconding overseas with ill-gotten gains. Yan made the list at Number 5.