? Lai Changxing [File photo]

XIAMEN, Fujian - Alleged smuggling kingpin Lai Changxing has been handed over for prosecution after the investigation of his case concluded, according to a statement released by local customs anti-smuggling agency and prosecutor's office of Xiamen Friday.

Lai, 53, the chief suspect in a multibillion-dollar smuggling operation that dates back to the 1990s in Xiamen, a coastal city in southeast Fujian province, fled to Canada 12 years ago.

After he was repatriated to China on July 23, he was arrested and investigated for smuggling and bribery.

The investigation revealed that Lai had smuggled a huge number of commodities, such as cigarettes, cars, petroleum, cooking oil, chemicals and equipment, through Xiamen Customs from 1996 to 1999, the statement said.

He bribed dozens of government officials and also ordered his subordinates to do so, which involved a significant amount of money, it said.

Both Lai and the other suspects involved have confessed to the charges, it said.

The legal rights of Lai and other suspects have been fully protected, and investigators have arranged for legal representation for Lai, the statement said.