China's Ministry of Public Security issued a notice on Thursday, urging fugitive suspects involved in the criminal gang led by Chen Zhi to surrender voluntarily.

Chen, a Chinese national identified as the ringleader of a major cross-border gambling and fraud syndicate, was repatriated to China from Cambodia on Jan 7.

The notice stated that suspects who voluntarily surrender to public security organs and truthfully confess their crimes by Feb 15 may be given a lighter or mitigated punishment in accordance with the law.

Those who commit crimes by threatening, retaliating against, or obstructing suspects intending to surrender will be held criminally responsible, it added.

Public security authorities urged suspects to recognize the situation, cherish the opportunity, and surrender as soon as possible to seek lenient treatment. For those who refuse to surrender, the authorities will issue public warrants, make every effort to arrest them, and punish them in accordance with the law.

Chen's criminal gang is suspected of multiple crimes, including fraud, operating casinos, illegal business operations, and concealing or covering up criminal proceeds. The case is currently under investigation.

Contact the writer at yangzekun@chinadaily.com.cn