BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – As Barbados signed two treaties – one an extradition agreement – with China, it was revealed that law enforcement authorities in the island earlier this year assisted in the recent arrest of two Chinese fugitives for whom the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) had issued warrants.

While he gave no details about the island’s role, China’s Vice Foreign Minister Wang Chao said that at the beginning of the year, “thanks to the vigorous support and assistance of law enforcement agencies of Barbados”, the wanted persons were captured in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and sent back to China.

The disclosure came as the Chinese official and Barbados’ Acting Attorney General Michael Lashley signed a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) as well as an Extradition Treaty, which would see the two countries assisting each other in investigating criminal matters and bringing fugitives to justice.

Speaking after the official signing, Lashley explained that the MLAT would enable both countries to receive assistance in terms of investigations, prosecutions and other proceedings related to criminal matters.

The Extradition Treaty, he said, would allow for more effective cooperation between the countries in the suppression of crime on the basis of mutual respect for sovereignty and equality.

“The government of Barbados is pleased to be a signatory to these treaties since they provide additional avenues for intelligence gathering at a time of widespread transnational crime including financial crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and smuggling,” Lashley said.

Wang Chao pointed out that the treaties were yet another signal that Barbados and China maintained close relations and the ability to collaborate on important issues.