Beijing threat of ‘severe’ penalty for Interpol chief

CHINA will prosecute Meng Hongwei, the former Interpol chief, for improperly spending state funds, abusing his power and failing to follow Communist Party direction.

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said Mr Meng “wantonly and lavishly” spent state money, “refused to enact decisions of the party centre”, and abused his power for private gain. He was suspected of taking bribes, causing serious harm to the ruling Communist Party and overall state interests. The commission said he should be dealt with severely.

Mr Meng has also been expelled from the Communist Party and handed over to legal authorities. He is almost certain to be found guilty at trial as courts are controlled by the party. It is unclear if he has had access to a lawyer while in detention.

China’s anti-corruption watchdog issued its statement yesterday after Xi Jinping, the president, returned from a week-long state visit that ended in France, where global police co-ordination agency Interpol is headquartered. Emmanuel Macron, the French president, raised the issue of human rights in China in meetings with Mr Xi.

Mr Meng’s disappearance made global headlines last autumn after his wife reported him missing to French police while on a trip to China. Appointed in 2016, Mr Meng was the first Chinese president of Interpol.

Several high-ranking Chinese officials, wealthy businessmen and even celebrities have disappeared without explanation since Mr Xi launched a sweeping anti-corruption campaign after coming to power in 2012. Critics have said it is a way for him to clean house and remove opponents.