Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Interpol chief reported missing resigns amid Beijing investigation

News comes hours after Chinese authorities said Meng Hongwei was under investigation 

Sunday 07 October 2018 16:01 EDT
Comments
The public security vice-minister was detained after ‘bringing trouble upon himself’, Beijing says
The public security vice-minister was detained after ‘bringing trouble upon himself’, Beijing says (Reuters)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The missing Interpol president Meng Hongwei has resigned from his post, the agency has confirmed.

The news comes hours after Chinese authorities said Mr Meng was under investigation for unspecified violations of the law.

Mr Meng disappeared 12 days ago after he went to China for a work visit.

Mr Meng’s wife has said that he sent her an emoji of a knife before his disappearance.

Grace Meng said she believes that sending the image was her husband’s way of trying to tell her that he was in danger.

She also said that four minutes before her husband shared the image, he sent a message saying “wait for my call”.

A journalist holds the mobile phone of the wife of the former Interpol president Meng Hongwei (AFP/Getty)
A journalist holds the mobile phone of the wife of the former Interpol president Meng Hongwei (AFP/Getty) (AFP/Getty Images)

Mr Meng, who is a Chinese government minister, lives in Lyon with his wife and children.

He has also previously served as head of the country’s counterterrorism office, drugs control commission, and coast guard.

His term as Interpol’s chief was due to run until 2020.

Mr Meng's disappearance came after a Chinese film star was "missing" for three months while being investigated for tax fraud.

Fan Bingbing, who appeared in the Hollywood superhero film X-Men: Days of Future Past, was ordered by Chinese authorities to pay taxes and penalties totalling $130m (£100m).

Her whereabouts remains unknown but she posted on social media to apologise and to heap praise upon the ruling Communist Party.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in