Ex-Interpol chief expelled from China’s political advisory body after disappearing amid corruption charges

The former head of Interpol has been expelled from China's top political advisory board, according to state media, due to the corruption case he is facing.

Meng Hongwei had his membership revoked yesterday by the National Committee for the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPP), whose 2,000-person assembly is tasked with advising the government with policy suggestions.

Although unable to make legislative changes itself, the organisation includes some of China's most significant personnel, including celebrities like Jackie Chan, basketball player Yao Ming and some of the country's wealthiest business people. 

Meng went missing back in September while on a visit to China from Interpol's base in France and authorities revealed he was under investigation.

His current whereabouts are still unknown but his wife, Grace Meng, is under police protection in Lyon. She maintains she does not believe the accusations against her husband, claiming he is the victim of "political persecution".

Meng, who was also a vice public security minister, resigned as the president of the international police organisation in October.

South Korea's Kim Jong-Yang has replaced Meng as the head of Interpol on a two-year term.

Meng is just the latest high-profile figure to be involved in China's anti-corruption campaign.

Another man under investigation is the former head of China's Buddhist association, a monk known as Xuecheng, who has allegedly committed sexual assault and financial crime offences. 

The CPPPP has also accepted his resignation.