The Chinese government confirmed Sunday that it is holding Interpol President Meng Hongwei as it investigates him on “suspicion of violating the law,” saying he is “under the supervision” of an anticorruption watchdog tied to the Chinese Communist Party.
The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection posted the announcement online, but has provided no other information regarding Meng’s detainment or on what charges he is suspected.
A French judicial official said last week that Meng, who also serves as vice minister of the Chinese Ministry of Public Security, went missing while visiting his native country on Thursday.{mosads}
The New York Times reports that Interpol demanded answers from the Chinese government Saturday, adding that the agency “looks forward to an official response from China’s authorities to address concerns over the president’s well-being.”
Meng’s wife, Grace Meng, told reporters in Lyon, France, earlier Sunday that her husband vanished while in China and sent her an emoticon of a knife, which she said indicated he was at risk.
Grace Meng has said she has not otherwise heard from her husband since he left Lyon, where they had been living and Interpol is headquartered, in September.
Interpol said in a statement Sunday that it had received Meng’s resignation as president.