Cypriot authorities investigate citizenship scandal linked to executed Chinese official

Cypriot authorities are currently investigating three individuals who acquired Cypriot citizenship, following the execution of Yaping Li, a former Chinese Communist Party official who was granted a Cypriot passport in 2019. Li was executed in China on December 17, 2024, after being convicted of embezzling approximately €426 million (3.07 billion yuan). The investigation focuses on his son, Suchao Li, and two family friends, Yuendong Cui and his mother Meizhi Cui, who are suspected of involvement in a money laundering network.

Suchao Li is currently wanted by Chinese authorities via Interpol for fraud. The Cypriot Council of Ministers has already taken steps to revoke his citizenship, although he has filed an appeal that is currently pending in court. Furthermore, reports indicate that Suchao Li and Yuendong Cui have previously submitted sworn affidavits to the Paphos Court as part of legal proceedings.

This case highlights ongoing scrutiny into the controversial Cyprus Investment Programme, which, despite its formal closure, continues to generate legal and security implications for the Republic of Cyprus. Law enforcement agencies, including the Police and MOKAS, remain actively involved in examining the financial activities of these individuals.