Some 51 millin yuan (US$6.5 million) was stolen Saturday from a branch of the Agricultural Bank of China in north China's Hebei Province, the Xinhua News Agency reported Tuesday.

The two suspects, 34-year-old Ren Xiaofeng and 37-year-old Ma Xiangjing, worked in the bank's cash storage center, according to the report.

The theft took place at about 2 PM Saturday at the Handan branch of the Agricultural Bank of China, Xinhua said. The two fled from the scene in a grey van minutes after the theft.

The Ministry of Public Security has issued a circular nationwide to nab Ren and Ma. A reward of 50,000 yuan (US$6,400) is offered to anyone that provides information leading to the arrest of the suspects, Xinhua said.

Police said that chubby, round-faced Ren was wearing a white shirt over a blue T-shirt while his accomplice, Ma, has a youthful look and wavy hair.

Bank tellers on most wanted list

Two bank workers vaulted into China's most wanted list of criminals on Tuesday after they robbed the bank in north China's Hebei Province where they worked as trusted employees.

The men, 34-year-old Ren Xiaofeng and 37-year-old Ma Xiangjing, fled from the scene in a grey van minutes after the robbery.

The two men, both about 1.7 meters tall, worked in the bank's cash storage center. Police said that chubby, round-faced Ren was wearing a white shirt over a blue T-shirt. His accomplice, Ma, has a youthful look and wavy hair.

Those who provide information leading to the arrest of the suspects can claim a reward of 50,000 yuan, according to the police.

(Chinadaily.com.cn April 17, 2007)