Police chief suspended over fees

Source: Xinhua  |   2008-11-12  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

A POLICE chief was suspended yesterday in the second alleged case of officers illegally soliciting money in just over a month in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

Wei Xiaomin is accused of collecting "sponsorship fees" totaling 2.19 million yuan (US$320,874) from local coal-mine bosses.

Wei, former deputy director of the Daliuta branch of the Shenmu County Public Security Bureau, is also under investigation by the Party's discipline inspection committee in the county.

He was accused of asking about 60 coal-mine bosses to donate "sponsorship fees" to help maintain law and order at a meeting held by the Shenmu County Coal and Coke Association on Saturday.

"Police have been short of funding and the situation has worsened with the frequent occurrences of criminal cases in this area. So we had better increase security funding now rather than mobilize a great number of police officers after a crime happens," Wei is reported to have said.

"Those who donate money will benefit. We expect great support from you."

The scandal has sparked outcry from the public.

"What the police are taking is actually 'protection' money, which tarnishes their image and will affect justice," said a posting on Sina.com.

The money was being kept by the Shenmu County Coal and Coke Association and would be returned to mine bosses, a senior official of the police bureau said yesterday.

Two police-station commanders in Shangluo City were suspended on October 7 for accepting "gift money."