Seoul: More than 100 foreign nationals wanted for crimes overseas are currently hiding in South Korea, data showed Tuesday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, as of August 12, 110 foreign fugitives had been residing in the country, based on information provided by the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) to Rep. Kim Jun-hwan of the ruling Democratic Party.

By nationality, Chinese nationals on Interpol's notice accounted for the largest share with 40 individuals, representing 36 percent. They were followed by fugitives from Uzbekistan at 19 and Mongolia at 17. Fraud emerged as the most prevalent offense, with 47 cases reported. Other crimes, including kidnapping, confinement, and sex trafficking, accounted for 29 cases. The remaining offenses involved drugs, theft, traffic law violations, and assault.

To address the issue of international fugitives, the KNPA expanded its dedicated workforce from 22 to 64 personnel this year. This increase in resources has nearly doubled the number of foreign fugitive repatriations, rising from 13 last year to 24 between January and August this year.

Police noted that the bolstered international cooperation has also led to more arrests of South Korean criminals who have fled abroad. For instance, Chinese authorities repatriated 192 South Korean fugitives last year, according to the data.

Source: Yonhap News Agency