CHINA

Bribery Indictment Hits Former Wuhan Mayor From Early Pandemic

Published: Apr. 16, 2026 12:47 p.m. GMT+8

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Zhou Xianwang. Photo: VCG

Zhou Xianwang, the former mayor of Wuhan who drew global scrutiny for his handling of the initial Covid-19 outbreak in 2020, has been indicted on bribery charges.

The Supreme People’s Procuratorate announced Thursday that the National Commission of Supervision had concluded its investigation. Prosecutors in Shangqiu, a city in the central province of Henan, have formally filed charges against Zhou with the local intermediate court.

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Zhou Xianwang, former Wuhan mayor, indicted on bribery charges in Shangqiu, Henan, after National Commission investigation.
Alleged 22-year corruption in Hubei roles, taking >3M yuan ($440K) bribes; faces 10+ years prison to death penalty.
17th centrally administered official prosecuted in 2026; known for early COVID-19 missteps, sidelined post-outbreak.

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