In a significant demonstration of China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, Gao Yichen, a former high-ranking security official, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China following investigations into serious disciplinary and legal violations. The announcement was made on Thursday by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission, China’s top anti-graft bodies.
Gao previously held dual positions as deputy director of the Office of the Central Leading Group for Preventing and Handling Cult Issues and vice minister of State Security. He also served as deputy director of the State Council’s Office for Preventing and Handling Cult Issues.
The disciplinary investigation uncovered multiple offenses including collusion between political and business interests, improper benefit exchanges, and severe contamination of the political ecosystem. Notably, Gao continued to exploit his official position for personal gain even after his retirement from public service.
According to official statements, Gao demonstrated a complete loss of ideological principles and political discernment while actively resisting organizational investigations. His misconduct included accepting unauthorized banquets, facilitating improper job transfers for associates, and receiving gifts and monetary rewards in violation of integrity protocols. He additionally obtained vehicle services from private business owners without compensation.
More seriously, Gao interfered with judicial processes and leveraged his influence to secure advantages for others in corporate listing approvals, land use rights transfers, and case executions. These actions involved the illegal acceptance of substantial monetary sums and valuable assets.
The disciplinary authorities determined that Gao’s conduct represented a severe violation of multiple Party disciplines including political, organizational, integrity, and work regulations. His actions constitute serious duty-related offenses and suspected crimes of bribery and influence peddling.
In addition to his expulsion from the Party, Gao’s illicit gains have been confiscated. His case, which involves suspected criminal activities, has been transferred to prosecutorial authorities for formal legal proceedings.