Top Chinese internet censor who ‘lost faith in party’ facing trial for corruption
- Peng Bo, who was responsible for regulating the internet industry, is accused of failing in his post and using his authority for gain
- Peng, whose former boss Lu Wei was jailed two years ago, is said to have played a key role in preventing an outright ban on platforms such as Weibo
The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection accused Peng Bo, 64, of disloyalty to the party and failing to supervise the internet industry when he was the deputy chief of the Cyberspace Administration of China.
“Investigations have found that Peng Bo has lost his faith and was disloyal to the party,” the commission said in a statement.
“He strayed from the decisions and plans laid down by the Party Central about the propaganda struggle over the internet.
“He also used his authority for his personal gain, sought benefits from internet companies, resisted investigations by the party and engaged in superstitious activities.
“He violated the eight-point requirements on frugal living, visited private clubs frequently, and accepted invitations to extravagant banquets and dinners,” it added.