Ex-Suzhou official demoted over procurement scandal

A former director of the Commerce Bureau in Suzhou Industrial Park has been removed from his position and demoted after an investigation found him involved in bid-rigging and other procurement violations, local media reported on Sunday.

Zhu Huan, who previously led the commerce bureau, was found to have predetermined suppliers in government procurement projects and provided false information during an internal inspection, according to Suzhou Daily.

The allegations against Zhu first came to light in July when Ma Xiangyu, a junior bureau staffer and Tsinghua University graduate, publicly accused Zhu and others of bid-rigging and collusion involving over 17 million yuan ($2.6 million).

In August, Suzhou's anti-corruption authorities launched an investigation, suspending Zhu from his duties. A special task force later confirmed the allegations, revealing he had violated Party discipline and laws.

Zhu was officially removed from his post and demoted, Suzhou Daily reported, adding that other officials linked to the scandal have faced disciplinary actions.

One such official, Song Yunlong, the former head of the bureau's service trade division, is under investigation for alleged procurement-related misconduct and other serious disciplinary violations.

Authorities emphasized that additional personnel who failed to enforce regulations and oversight in procurement projects have also been punished.