China has taken into custody the former head of its religious affairs regulatory body on suspicion of involvement in bribery, as reported by the official news agency Xinhua on Monday. This marks the latest individual to be ensnared in President Xi Jinping’s relentless campaign against corruption.
The decision to apprehend Cui Maohu, the former official, was executed a few days ago, according to the agency’s report, which did not disclose further details surrounding the arrest.
Cui’s downfall comes amidst the broader scope of President Xi’s signature anti-corruption crusade, which has recently expanded its scrutiny to include the healthcare sector.
Notably, the defense ministry declared its commitment to “combat corruption among all officials” following a significant reshuffling of top commanders in the People’s Liberation Army’s Rocket Force back in July.
Cui Maohu, who concurrently served as the deputy head of the United Front Work Department, faced expulsion from the ruling Communist Party last week. He was also stripped of his public office due to “serious” violations, including suspected involvement in bribery, as affirmed by the anti-graft watchdog.
Furthermore, it was revealed that Cui had “illegally occupied arable land for personal vanity projects,” as detailed in a joint statement by the anti-graft watchdog and a supervisory body.
The allegations against Cui extended to lavish banquets and tourism activities that could have compromised his official duties. He was reported to have received gifts and property and misused his position to gain advantages in terms of both sexual favors and financial gains, according to the watchdog, officially known as the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.
Cui’s troubles began in March when he was dismissed from his role as the director of the State Administration of Religious Affairs and placed under investigation. This action took place shortly after China’s new cabinet commenced its new term.
