China has captured or brought about the surrender of 180 people suspected of committing economic crimes as part of an aggressive anti-corruption campaign targeting suspects who have fled abroad.

The campaign, dubbed "Fox Hunt", included the arrests of 104 suspects, the Ministry of Public Security said on Thursday. Seventy-six people returned to China to surrender.

The announcement came three months after the government launched the operation to hunt down officials and businessmen who have absconded, often taking their ill-gotten gains with them. The government has given no recent overall figure for the number at large around the world.

President Xi Jinping launched a sweeping campaign against graft after assuming power two years ago, and getting corrupt officials and assets back from overseas remains an important part of the initiative.

China does not have extradition treaties with the United States, Canada and Australia - the three most popular destinations for suspected economic criminals. In mid-October, Australian media reported that Australian police have agreed to assist China in the extradition and seizure of assets of corrupt Chinese officials.

With cooperation and support of related countries and regions, the operation made breakthroughs in Africa, South America, the South Pacific and Western Europe, the ministry said.

China has sent 20 teams to Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia and other neighboring countries, arresting 75 suspects.

On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi appealed for international cooperation to fight corruption. Countries attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Beijing this week are expected to agree a deal to tackle graft.

(China Daily USA 11/01/2014 page4)