Chinese security official Meng Hongwei named Interpol leader

World Today

China’s Vice Minister for Public Security Meng Hongwei delivers a campaign speech at the 85th session of the general assembly of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), in Bali, Indonesia, Nov. 10, 2016. (Xinhua/Du Yu)

Interpol has a new leader from China. Meng Hongwei will now head the global police organization.

And, the move could provide a boost for China’s anti-corruption efforts. CCTV America’s Frances Kuo reports.

At the latest meeting of the international law enforcement agency in Bali– Meng Hongwei was officially elected as its new president. He’s the first Chinese official to hold the post that a move welcomed by Beijing.

Meng promised to work together with all Interpol member states and to build a stronger platform for police cooperation.

Meng said those measures should allow Interpol to fight what he calls a “wave of criminality” and “the most serious global security challenges since world war two” like terrorism and cybercrime.

Meng’s appointment could also reinforce china’s anti-corruption campaign and targeting alleged criminals living abroad.

China submitted a list of the 100 most-wanted fugitive suspects to Interpol in 2014. Meng brings to his new position — a deep background in law enforcement. He’s served as china’s vice minister for public security since 2004. Previously, he was deputy director of china’s armed police and a veteran police officer.