Ex-security official is expelled from Party

Meng Hongwei, a former vice-minister of public security, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China and removed from public office for serious disciplinary violations, China's anti-graft watchdogs announced on Wednesday.

Meng failed to report personal matters as required by Party regulations and refused to carry out decisions made by the CPC Central Committee. He also abused his public power and used public funds to support an extravagant life for his family, according to a statement released by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and National Supervisory Commission.

The 65-year-old Meng took advantage of his position to find employment for his wife and allowed her to seek personal gain. He also helped others get promotions and accepted huge amounts of money and property from others illegally, the statement said.

Meng's behavior severely damaged national interests and the Party's image, it added. His illegal gains have been confiscated and the case has been handed over to prosecutors.

Meng had served as president of the International Criminal Police Organization, headquartered in Lyon, France. He was elected president of Interpol at the organization's 85th members' meeting in Indonesia in 2016, becoming the first Chinese to take the post.

In October, the National Supervisory Commission announced that Meng has been placed under investigation for suspected breaches of law. He has resigned from Interpol.

Meng's membership in the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, the country's top political advisory body, was revoked on March 1.