Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Bribery Charges, Launches YouTube Channel
Rui Chenggang (芮成綱), a former famous anchor of China Central Television (CCTV) who was arrested by Chinese authorities in 2014, recently launched a YouTube channel claiming that various rumors surrounding him were fake news.
On the 22nd, Yonhap News, citing Hong Kong Ming Pao and Chengdu Daily, reported that Rui Chenggang posted a short video titled "Rui Chenggang is Back" on YouTube the day before, saying, "I have a lot to say."
Born in 1977, Rui Chenggang established himself as a top star anchor while hosting CCTV's representative economic news and programs. However, in July 2014, he was arrested on espionage charges and underwent investigation for over two years.
Previously, in June 2013, he became known domestically after interviewing then-President Park Geun-hye at the Blue House ahead of her state visit to China and receiving a handwritten Chinese aphorism from her as a gift.
Chinese-language media reported that in addition to espionage and bribery charges, rumors circulated during the investigation that Rui Chenggang had an affair with Gu Liping (谷麗萍), the wife of former United Front Work Department head Ling Jihua (令計劃), as well as having extramarital relationships with about 20 wives of vice premiers and minister-level officials, earning him the nickname "public government lover." These wives of high-ranking officials were said to be 58 to 68 years old, 20 to 30 years older than Rui Chenggang.
Subsequently, Rui Chenggang was sentenced to six years in prison for bribery and reportedly served his sentence from August 2015 to December 2020.
In the video, Rui Chenggang said, "I had no freedom for six and a half years, the best years of my life," and that he is currently a professional investor with a decent track record in attracting investments. He defined various rumors about himself as "groundless."
The rumors he mentioned included claims that he worked for a Hong Kong real estate company, that he was a spy, that he died in prison, that he was tortured, and various scandals.
His current whereabouts are unknown. However, since China bans YouTube, there is speculation that he resides outside of China. Rui Chenggang explained the reason for launching his YouTube channel, saying, "I originally wanted to retire and live quietly, but I gained great strength from fans who supported me."
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