Chinese fugitive Lai Changxing has been ordered released from custody, pending his court bid for a stay of his imminent deportation to China.
Immigration and Refugee Board member Leann King ruled Tuesday that she was satisfied Mr. Lai would appear for his removal from Canada, should that be his fate.
Ms. King said Mr. Lai had never hidden his presence in Canada nor tried to evade Canadian border services agents who have kept close tabs on him for years.
Mr. Lai has been in custody since last Thursday, when he was arrested for deportation to China.
His request for a stay of the deportation order will be heard by the Federal Court of Canada on July 21.
If Mr. Lai's request is rejected, he is scheduled to be returned to China July 25 to face long-standing charges of smuggling and bribery.