Reports by state media claim that Liu Zhijun, the sacked Minister of Chinese Railways is under investigation for allegedly taking more than 800m yuan (£75m) in kickbacks. The Global Times reported that ‘Liu was removed from the post for “severe discipline violation.’
The article claims that Liu pocketed the money ‘from companies eager to win contracts for China’s booming high-speed railway projects including many State-owned enterprises.’
Liu was the Minister of Railways in the People’s Republic of China from 2003 to 2011. In February this year, Liu Zhijun was under investigation over alleged ‘severe violation of discipline’ by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, and was dismissed from his position as party chief of the ministry on 12 February.
During his time in office, Liu oversaw the construction of the new national high-speed rail network. He was quoted saying, “China has created high-speed railway system that has the greatest comprehensive technology, best integrative ability, highest operational distance, fastest operational speed, and largest scale of construction” in the world.
Liu was criticised during his post for its illegitimate business interests and relationships with large companies. It was also claimed in the article by the The Global Times that Liu had up to ten mistresses, many of whom worked as actresses.
