On October 15, 2024, reports from Chinese state media revealed the massive corruption allegations against Li Chuanliang, the former Deputy Mayor of Jixi City in Heilongjiang Province who fled the country. Li Chuanliang, now residing in the United States, provided initial responses when contacted by reporters from The Epoch Times.
On October 14, 2024, Chinese state media reposted an announcement from the Mudanjiang Intermediate People’s Court in “People’s Court Daily,” dedicating an entire page to disclose that Li Chuanliang’s assets involved in the case exceeded 3.1 billion yuan, with 1021 properties being seized.
According to official statements, Li Chuanliang allegedly used illegally obtained funds in projects under his personal control, including land development, real estate projects, construction engineering, as well as purchases of properties, vehicles, land, and equipment. Authorities have frozen a total of 140,987,522.529 million yuan, sealed 1021 properties, land parcels, lakeshores, and forest lands, seized 38 cars, 10 sets of machinery, and frozen the equity of 18 companies.
Based on official information, Li Chuanliang was placed under investigation by the Heilongjiang Provincial Supervision Commission on July 10, 2020, for suspected crimes of corruption, bribery, misappropriation of public funds, and abuse of power. He was publicly announced by the Heilongjiang Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision on September 7, 2020, and subsequently arrested on September 20, 2020. Li Chuanliang fled the country on November 15, 2018, and a warrant was issued for his arrest by the Heilongjiang Provincial Public Security Department on December 1, 2020.
Speaking to reporters on October 14, Li Chuanliang questioned why these allegations against him were being made only now, calling the authorities’ accusations a joke.
Li Chuanliang mentioned that after fleeing to the United States, he had been living peacefully until his interview with The Epoch Times on August 19, 2020, which led to his sudden legal troubles as authorities initiated investigations and arrests post the interview.
Regarding the accusations of assets totaling 31 billion yuan and over 1000 seized properties, Li Chuanliang disputed the claims, stating that since he resigned from his position ten years ago, the assets in question mostly belonged to other entities but were bundled under his name to be confiscated.
Li Chuanliang emphasized that the authorities’ actions focused on him post his public interview in August 2020, wherein they targeted individuals and assets associated with him and his acquaintances, despite his resignation and departure from public office in compliance with legal procedures.
Li Chuanliang, who once oversaw urban construction projects, highlighted his involvement in affordable housing initiatives during his tenure, aiming to resolve issues with unfinished projects brought to his attention through governmental directives.
Li Chuanliang assured that he would provide detailed explanations regarding the allegations leveled against him by the authorities. He expressed his determination to clarify the specifics surrounding his case and the assets seized.
In public posts under the account “Li Chuanliang Discusses Facts,” he stated his readiness to address the accusations, emphasizing the importance of transparency and his intention to refute the fabricated charges against him.
The case of Li Chuanliang remains a subject of interest as The Epoch Times awaits his forthcoming detailed explanations to counter the official allegations.
Public records indicate Li Chuanliang’s history of public service, including positions held such as Director of the Jixi City Finance Bureau, Deputy Mayor of Jixi City, Deputy Mayor of Hegang City, before fleeing abroad on November 15, 2018.
Upon relocating to the United States, Li Chuanliang joined the China Democracy Party and publicly renounced his affiliation with the Chinese Communist Party on August 21, 2020. He has maintained a stance critical of the CCP’s governance and has participated in pro-democracy activities, for which he has faced threats and surveillance.
Li Chuanliang’s challenges with the Chinese authorities began in September 2020 when he was accused of embezzlement, accepting bribes, and engaging in illicit activities, following which he released statements through various overseas media outlets challenging the accusations leveled against him.
Li Chuanliang’s revelations about the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic by the Chinese authorities and his subsequent participation in anti-CCP campaigns significantly angered the regime, leading to intensified scrutiny and legal action against him.
On December 10, 2020, on World Human Rights Day, the China Democracy Party inaugurated the China Tyrant Officials Whistleblowing and Accountability Center (CTOWC) to expose and punish corrupt officials within the CCP, with members including Zheng Cunzhu and Li Chuanliang.
In early 2021, Li Chuanliang predicted the CCP’s downfall due to its authoritarian rule and warned of the repercussions they would face for their oppressive measures.
The Mudanjiang City Prosecutor’s Office declared the assets seized, frozen, and confiscated from Li Chuanliang must be legally reclaimed and submitted a request for the forfeiture of illegal gains. Li Chuanliang’s close relatives and other concerned individuals have a six-month period to participate in the litigation process by submitting written applications or engaging legal representatives.
The Epoch Times will continue to monitor developments in the Li Chuanliang case as it progresses.