Advertisement

China's former PLA number 2 Xu Caihou dies of cancer amid graft probe

Prosecutors dropped charges against general - one of 16 senior officers held last year on suspicion of corruption - but will continue efforts to recover huge bribes allegedly paid to him

Reading Time:1 minute
Why you can trust SCMP
Former general Xu Caihou attends a plenary session of the National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in March, 2012. Photo: AP

Disgraced former People’s Liberation Army No 2 Xu Caihou died of  bladder cancer on Sunday, Xinhua reported late that night.

He was 71.

Xu, a former vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, was facing prosecution for corruption after coming under investigation last year. He was the most senior PLA general to be probed for graft.

Advertisement

Xinhua said military prosecutors had decided to drop the charges against the general, but would continue to process his alleged illicit financial gains in accordance with the law.

Military prosecutors wrapped up their investigation of Xu's graft case in October, accusing him of taking advantage of his position to help others gain promotions. In return, he allegedly accepted huge bribes personally and through his family.

Advertisement

Xu was expelled from the Communist Party in June.

Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x