Involved in bribery, former Bank of China boss sacked from party

JAKARTA - Deputy director of the Bank of China (BOC) for the period 2018-2025, Lin Jingzhen, was expelled from the membership of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for allegedly committing a serious violation of party law and discipline.

This was conveyed by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) of the CPC as the highest internal supervisory institution of the party through its official website on Friday (6/2).

Reported by ANTARA, Lin was said to have "committed a serious violation of office and allegedly committed the crime of bribery" after the 18th CPC Congress at the end of 2012.

Lin also showed no remorse or intention of stopping his violations.

Lin was found to have received gifts illegally, attended banquets and tourist activities that could affect the performance of his duties, and received travel facilities provided by others illegally.

In addition, abusing authority to buy and sell positions, making it easier for certain parties to obtain financing, obtaining large amounts of illegal property, and not reporting personal information in accordance with the rules. In its release, the CCDI did not release the amount of bribes that Lin received.

Not only was he expelled from the party, Lin also had to hand over all the assets he had obtained from the violations he had committed and had to face legal action.

Lin (60) started his post as deputy director of the BOC in March 2018 and resigned in January 2025 for reasons of age. The CCDI began disciplinary examinations and investigations into his violations since September 2025.

BOC is one of the largest banks in China with 540 million personal customers, operating in 64 countries and regions outside mainland China according to the publication of BOC's 2024 annual report. BOC's branches in Hong Kong and Macau are also authorized to issue banknotes in both special administrative regions.

Lin's dismissal is part of Xi Jinping's efforts to fight corruption in various sectors since 2012. Previously, Zhang Youxia, the highest general in the Chinese army who is also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, was fired for alleged bribery in late January 2026.

CCDI reported that throughout 2025, 69 officials at the provincial level or higher and 983 thousand people had been sentenced for corruption cases.