Former vice-mayor of Beijing detained on corruption charges, ‘links to Guo Wengui’

Chen Gang, 52, spearheaded city’s massive urban development programme ahead of 2008 Summer Olympics

Caixin report says he also used his authority to smooth way for dubious property development owned by fugitive tycoon

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Chen Gang, vice-mayor of Beijing from 2006 to 2017, has been detained on suspicion of corruption. Photo: Boao Forum

Published: 1:45pm, 7 Jan 2019Updated: 11:01pm, 7 Jan 2019

A former vice-mayor of Beijing has been detained as part of an investigation into alleged corruption and amid reports he may have had links to fugitive tycoon Guo Wengui.

Chen Gang, who was head of urban development in the Chinese capital for more than a decade, was taken into custody on suspicion of “serious violations” of party discipline and state law, the National Supervisory Commission said on Sunday, making him the first high-profile official of 2019 to be accused of the standard euphemism for corruption.

The statement did not elaborate, but Chinese news outlet Caixin reported on Monday that Chen, 52, had used his authority to help Guo, also known as Miles Kwok, to obtain loans and gain government approval for property developments in Beijing.

Guo now lives in New York, but is wanted in China in connection with a string of alleged crimes including corruption and rape.

Billionaire businessman Guo Wengui lives in New York but is wanted in China in connection with a string of alleged crimes. Photo: Reuters

Chen was once considered a rising star in Chinese politics and in 2006 was appointed vice-mayor of Beijing with responsibility for urban planning ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games.

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