China orders arrest of former top sports official on bribery, abuse of power charges

SPP approves arrest of former sports minister Gou Zhongwen on suspicion of bribery and abuse of power

The Supreme People's Procuratorate on Thursday ordered the arrest of Gou Zhongwen, a former high-ranking sports official, on charges of bribery and abuse of power.

Gou, who previously served as head of the General Administration of Sport from 2016 to 2022, was also a member of the Standing Committee of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and deputy head of its Committee on Ethnic and Religious Affairs.

According to prosecutors, the National Commission of Supervision completed its investigation into Gou's case and transferred it to prosecutors for legal proceedings.

Gou first came under investigation in May by the Communist Party of China's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision for suspected serious violations of party discipline and law.

On Dec 12, Gou was expelled from the Communist Party and dismissed from public office following the findings of the probe.

Investigators said Gou had failed to carry out central government policies, causing significant harm to the political environment of China's sports system. They also accused him of accepting gifts, attending lavish banquets, and taking improper travel invitations.

Authorities said Gou was involved in power-for-money deals and misused his authority, resulting in substantial economic losses. He was found to have mishandled responsibilities in the construction and acquisition of sports programs during his tenure.