(CFP)

Lai Changxing, the chief suspect in a smuggling operation in Xiamen, Fujian Province, was arrested after being returned to China from Canada on July 23.

Lai, born in 1958, was the former head of the Yuanhua Group and a smuggling ring. An investigation found, from 1996 to 1999, through paying bribes and cultivating connections with local officials, Lai's gang managed to smuggle a range of goods valued at 53 billion yuan ($8.19 billion), from oil and cars to cigarettes, evading taxes of 30 billion yuan ($4.62 billion).

Lai fled to Canada via Hong Kong in August 1999 and tried to obtain refugee status there. He attempted to avoid deportation by claiming he could face the death penalty if he was sent back. But a Canadian court ruled Lai would not be at risk if he was returned to China.

Authorities have not announced charges against Lai, but the customs administration said it was conducting further investigations into the case.