Expelled: Ex-Politburo Member Ma Xingrui Brought Down by Corruption Probe

China has expelled Ma Xingrui, a former Politburo member, from the ruling Communist Party following a sweeping corruption investigation. The decision, announced by state news agency Xinhua, marks the third removal of a current top decision-making body member since 2025, as President Xi Jinping intensifies his anti-corruption campaign.

Ma, who also served as deputy head of a central rural work group, was placed under investigation in April for serious violations of law and discipline. Investigators found that he helped others gain benefits in the selection and appointment of officials and arranged jobs for people improperly. The report also detailed that Ma illegally accepted gifts, helped relatives buy property at below-market prices, and engaged in exchanges of power and money for sex.

The allegations extend to large-scale family corruption, with family members using his position to gain significant benefits. Ma also allowed serious violations by staff around him, failing to act on them. Some actions may have involved criminal activity, though exact amounts were not disclosed.

Ma’s downfall has triggered further investigations. Guo Yonghang, Ma’s chief of staff during his tenure as Shenzhen mayor from 2015 to 2016, was investigated in March. Several officials in Xinjiang, promoted after Ma became party chief in late 2021, have also faced scrutiny. Ma trained as a scientist and rose quickly through the state-owned aerospace industry before entering politics. His expulsion comes as China increases oversight of its defense and aerospace sectors, with multiple officials linked to these areas under investigation.

Article and image source: pekingpress.com