Ex-Interpol chief who vanished in China charged with corruption
Former Interpol chief Meng Hongwei who disappeared in September is being prosecuted by the Chinese government, China’s anti-corruption watchdog said today.
Meng was reported missing by his wife in September after travelling to China from Interpol’s base in France.
China confirmed it had arrested him in October and Interpol said he had resigned from his role.
Read more: Ex-Interpol chief expelled from China's political advisory body
China said today it will prosecute Meng after an investigation found he “wantonly and lavishly spent state funds to satisfy his family’s luxurious lifestyle”.
The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said Meng had “refused to enact decisions of the party centre” and used his power to enrich himself.
It alleges he used his position to help his wife get a job and took “huge amount of possessions” from others in exchange for help with promotions and job moves.
Read more: Missing Interpol head resigns as China investigates possible law breaches
Meng has been expelled from the party and his case been handed to legal authorities for prosecution, the statement said.
Meng, who was also a deputy Chinese public security minister, became president of Interpol in late 2016.
Under President Xi Jinping, China has carried out a wide-ranging crackdown on corruption.