Liu Zhihua Former Vice Mayor of Beijing Date of Birth: 04.1949Год Country: China

1. Lu Zhihua: Former Beijing Vice Mayor
2. Early Life and Career
3. Ousting from Office
4. Alleged Reasons for Dismissal
5. Investigation and Charges

Lu Zhihua: Former Beijing Vice Mayor

Lu Zhihua, a former vice mayor of Beijing, was responsible for overseeing the construction of the Olympic Village for the 2008 Summer Olympics. On June 11, 2006, he was removed from his post and accused of major dereliction of duty and corruption.

Early Life and Career

Born in April 1949 in Panjin, Liaoning Province, Lu Zhihua began his career in August 1968. He joined the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in December 1984 and graduated with a degree in economics. In the Beijing municipal government, he held various positions related to construction, urban property management, sports, and transportation development.

Ousting from Office

On June 11, 2006, Lu Zhihua was dismissed following allegations of corruption. According to the Beijing Municipal People's Congress, the decision was based on "verified criminal facts, with irrefutable evidence, serious circumstances, and bad influence." A criminal case was opened against Lu. The Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee distanced itself from Lu, stating that he held no position within the committee.

Alleged Reasons for Dismissal

Official Chinese media initially reported Lu's dismissal as due to "moral decay and degeneration." However, The Times newspaper in the United Kingdom published an article on June 13, 2006, alleging that Lu was dismissed after demanding bribes from a foreign businessman for the sale of land. When Lu refused to hand over the land despite receiving the bribe, the businessman reportedly complained to authorities.

Investigation and Charges

An investigation uncovered that Lu had built himself an opulent "pleasure palace" in the resort town of Kuangou outside Beijing. The palace, reportedly filled with young mistresses, was part of a resort complex in a scenic area. If found guilty of causing damage to the state exceeding $500,000, Lu faced the possibility of the death penalty.