Whistleblower arrested for economic crimes

SHENZHEN - A whistleblower was arrested in South China's Guangdong province suspected of economic crimes on Tuesday, the same day the official he exposed was suspended from duty for his huge property portfolio, police told Xinhua Wednesday.

Police in Longgang Branch of Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau said Zhou Zujie had been arrested for suspected false declarations of the registered capital for four companies.

"His arrest has nothing to do with him exposing Zhou Weisi," a police officer, who declined to be named, said.

Zhou Weisi, deputy head of Nanlian Community Workstation, a subordinate of Longgang District Neighborhood Community in Shenzhen City of Guangdong, was suspended for allegedly owning property worth at least 2 billion yuan ($321 million). This is far more than can be afforded on the income of an ordinary official.

Tip-off material that Zhou Zujie uploaded and later went viral online accused Zhou Weisi of possessing more than 80 houses, villas, factories and mansions, more than 20 luxury cars and a high-end hotel.

They also said that the official illegally occupied and sold land through his position and offered bribes to local government.

Police said that an investigation into Zhou Zujie for his economic crimes had been launched in May, when they received tip-offs from the public claiming that he had falsely reported the registered capital for four companies he set up in 2010.

Zhou Zujie is also accused to have fraudulently claimed property demolition compensation of more than three million yuan in Guangdong in 2007.

Police said a recent investigation proved that the registered capital for Zhou Zujie's companies is indeed far less than declared, which finally led to his arrest.