Chairman of China’s second-largest liquor producer under corruption probe

Zeng Congqin, 57, chairman and party secretary of the state-owned liquor giant, is suspected of serious violations of party discipline and law – a typical reference to corruption – the provincial anti-corruption body, Sichuan Discipline Inspection Commission, announced on Saturday night.Zeng is being investigated by authorities in Yibin, a major city in the southwestern province where the group is based.The Shenzhen-listed liquor maker said in an exchange filing on Saturday that Zeng was being held and that the firm had received notices from authorities. The company said the matter would not have a major impact on its normal operations.Zeng’s name has been removed from the leadership list on the Wuliangye Group website. His last appearance was at a group-level meeting on February 24, where he gave a speech and emphasised principles including safe production, anti-corruption integrity and risk prevention.Wuliangye Yibin says the probe will not have an impact on the company’s normal operations. Photo: ShutterstockA native of Yibin, Zeng started his career working in various posts in local counties and townships before rising to district party secretary in the city and joining Wuliangye Yibin in 2019 as deputy party secretary.