Chinese officials are moving ahead with their case against the man who was considered the country's most wanted fugitive.

State-run media said Lai Changxing was turned over to prosecutors Friday after confessing to smuggling and bribery charges.

Lai was deported from Canada in July. He has long insisted the charges against him were politically motivated.

Chinese officials accuse Lai of running a multi-billion-dollar smuggling ring and living a life of luxury while paying off dozens of officials. He allegedly smuggled everying from cars to cigarettes.

Lai fled to Canada in 1999 and successfully fought extradition to China until earlier this year, arguing he would likely be tortured and face the death penalty.

Canada said it got assurances from China that Lai would not be executed.

Canada does not have a death penalty and will not extradite people who face possible execution.