Bo family's links to 'secret French villa revealed'

Dramatic details of how Bo Xilai's family and their associates devised complex plans to invest in a luxurious French villa in 2001 emerged at the former Chongqing party boss's trial.

Cross-examination yesterday morning focused on the Villa Fontaine Saint Georges, a six-bedroom mansion on the French Riviera with a swimming pool and 4,000 square metre garden.

In oral and written testimonies, Bo's wife Gu Kalai, his ally turned nemesis, former police chief Wang Lijun, and other witnesses set out how French architect Patrick Devillers helped Gu build a complicated network of front companies to hide links between the French property and the Bo family.

The complex financial arrangements also ensured that Gu retained firm control and de facto ownership of the villa, which was paid for by developer Xu Ming, who is accused of corrupt dealings with Bo.

Gu testified that the villa was intended to safeguard their son Bo Guagua's financial future.

"I told the daddy of Guagua that I hoped Guagua could focus on his studies and would not have to worry about making a living as that may spoil his future," Gu said in written testimony. "That is why I asked Xu Ming to buy this overseas property so it can be a source of stable income for Guagua in the future. When Guagua grows up, he can manage the property himself,"