Blair was ‘go-between’ for Chinese tycoon sought by Interpol as bribe suspect
TONY BLAIR acted as go-between between a controversial Chinese businessman being sought by Interpol and the Abu Dhabi royal family, helping the entrepreneur raise billions of dollars, a report in China has alleged.
The former prime minister was alleged to have travelled with Guo Wengui on his private jet for a meeting between the two parties in 2013, business magazine Caixin said yesterday.
Mr Guo, also known as Miles Kwok, was introduced by Mr Blair to “key Abu Dhabi figures” including Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the report said.
Mr Guo later received $3 billion (£2.3billion) from his new contacts to help with future business deals, Caixin claimed.
Mr Blair and his wife have been criticised in the past for having close relationships with the super-rich.
They are reported to have enjoyed holidays at houses owned by pop stars Sir Cliff Richard and Robin Gibb, and Silvio Berlusconi at his villa in Sardinia.
The Blairs have also stayed at a private game reserve in South Africa owned by Sir Richard Branson.
They were reported to have close ties with Haim Saban, the billionaire Hollywood media tycoon, and his wife Cheryl, whom they met through mutual friends Bill and Hillary Clinton.
Mr Guo is one of China’s most flamboyant businessmen and an A-lister on the international circuit. The 50-yearold is a regular visitor to London and was recently pictured in Mark’s Club in Mayfair, favoured by royalty and senior politicians.
In 2009, he bought 5,000 copies of Cherie Blair’s autobiography, which he apparently gave to staff to help motivate them.
Mr Guo reportedly left China two years ago and resides in a $67.5million Manhattan apartment. He is also a member of Donald Trump’s Mar-alago private club in Florida.
Beijing confirmed last month that Interpol had issued a “red notice” – a request to locate and apprehend a suspect – for Mr Guo. It is not an international arrest warrant.
The property tycoon is reportedly suspected of paying 60 million yuan (£6.7million) in bribes to Ma Jian, the disgraced former Chinese state security vice minister.
Mr Guo has accused the Chinese government of being politically selective with its anti-graft drive. The campaign has put many wealthy businessmen behind bars.
He described Caixin’s report on his business affairs as “lies” on his verified Twitter account.
A spokesman for Mr Blair said the former prime minister “has known Mr Kwok as a friend for 10 years. Mr Kwok has in the past been a donor to Mr Blair’s charitable work.”
She added: “He has never had a commercial contract with Mr Kwok nor received fees for such work from him, neither has his company.”
Additional reporting by Christine Wei