Retired Chinese Official's Corruption Scandal: 13 Homes, Bribery, and Environmental Damage

Once in the media spotlight, this case has brought attention to corruption in the country and to the issue of officials retaining power even after retirement. How He Got There Born in 1954, the official, named He Fali, joined the Chinese Communist Party in 1974 and began working in 1977.

Over his 39-year-long career, he held various senior positions within the government, including that of deputy party chief in the provincial Forestry Department, director general of the provincial Environmental Protection Bureau, and more. It was during his tenure as the director general of the provincial Environmental Protection Bureau that He Fali became known for his efforts to clean up the region's environment, especially the Wei River, which is often described as the "mother river of Shaanxi province."

The Downfall He Fali retired in 2017, only to be investigated by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission in March 2021 for serious violations of law. In October 2021, he was expelled from the Party and had his retirement benefits revoked.

In April 2022, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined 2 million yuan for bribery. The Shaanxi provincial anti-corruption watchdog described the He Fali case as a prime example of the corruption in the ecological and environmental protection sector, highlighting He Fali as a typical case of a retired official continuing to engage in corruption.

While serving in office, He Fali is said to have used his power to engage in illicit transactions, leveraging his influence to gain economic benefits. Even after retirement, He Fali could not resist the temptation of power and continued to receive bribes.

Negotiating the Fine Line Between Personal and Public Good He Fali's case highlights the dangers of becoming too closely tied to money and power. In his confession, he admitted that after gaining power, he began to disregard the Party's teachings and let his guard down. He began to take bribes and accept gifts from businessmen, who approached him with offers of money and other benefits in exchange for favors and protection.

He Fali's friendship with one such businessman, surnamed Suo, began when He Fali was working in the local Forestry Department. When Suo's company wanted to bid for a forestry project, they sought He Fali's help and received it, successfully securing the contract. The relationship deepened, with Suo sending He Fali money and gifts on occasions such as the Chinese New Year. This "testimony of friendship" resulted in He Fali turning a blind eye to Suo's violation of environmental laws. For instance, Suo's company continued to pollute the Wei River despite its repeated violations, yet He Fali did nothing to prevent it.

The Paper Trail From 2004 to 2015, He Fali was found to have accepted bribes from 15 people while working in the environmental protection sector, with the total sum reaching over 20 million yuan. Among these bribes, the most significant one was received in 2011 when He Fali approached Suo for a bribe of 5 million yuan, ostensibly for purchasing a commercial property. This level of corruption is particularly striking given He Fali's humble origins.

In a previous interview, he described his early years as one of hardship, with his family barely able to make ends meet. Despite his modest beginnings, He Fali was known for his dedication to his work and his commitment to the Party's cause.

His fall from grace signifies a wider cultural shift in China, where the pursuit of wealth and power has gradually become more important than loyalty and commitment to public service. The Aftermath He Fali's case has sparked a public outcry, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability in government.

It has also raised concerns about the continued influence of retired officials in China, where many senior government officials continue to wield power long after they have left office. The He Fali case serves as a cautionary tale for those who are tempted to abuse their power for personal gain, and it highlights the need for a stronger culture of anti-corruption and accountability in China.

In his confession, He Fali expressed deep regret for his actions and admitted that he had failed to live up to the Party's expectations. He also said that he was willing to accept any punishment that the Party metes out and that he hoped his case would serve as a warning to future generations of officials. Only time will tell whether his sincerity will be enough to absolve him in the eyes of the public and whether his case will indeed become a cautionary tale for future officials. In the meantime, He Fali's case has shed light on the pervasive issue of corruption in China and has brought attention to the need for greater accountability and transparency in government. As the country continues to grapple with these issues, the He Fali case serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of corruption and the importance of upholding the principles of honesty and integrity in public office.