Meng Hongwei (born November 1953) is a Chinese former politician and senior law-enforcement official who served as President of Interpol from 2016 until 2018. His career combined roles within China's public security system and international policing. In October 2018 he was detained in China; Interpol received his resignation letter and he was subsequently charged by Chinese authorities with corruption-related offences.

Career and roles

Meng rose through the ranks of China's public security apparatus, holding senior posts in the Ministry of Public Security. He was named a vice-minister in the ministry and became prominent in domestic policing and international police cooperation. In 2016 he was elected to lead the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), a post that made him one of the most prominent Chinese figures in international law enforcement.

  • Chinese public security official and vice-minister of public security
  • President of Interpol (elected 2016)
  • Figure in debates over policing, extradition and international cooperation

Interpol presidency and election

Meng's election to Interpol's presidency marked a high point in his international profile. He presided over the organization's General Assembly and represented Interpol in diplomatic and operational forums. His presidency raised attention because he simultaneously retained high-level ties to China's security establishment, prompting discussion in some countries about the implications for Interpol's neutrality and for requests such as Red Notices.

In October 2018 Chinese authorities arrested Meng; Interpol announced receipt of a letter in which Meng said he was resigning. Chinese state bodies later charged him with accepting bribes and related offences and pursued a domestic prosecution. The case drew international media attention and prompted questions about the safety of officials working across national boundaries and the independence of international institutions.

Significance and controversies

Meng's case is often cited in discussions about how transnational policing mechanisms can be influenced by national politics. Critics have pointed to the potential misuse of international tools for political ends, while supporters of stronger global police cooperation argue for clearer safeguards. The episode led to renewed calls for transparency, stricter oversight of international notices and protections for Interpol staff and officials.

Names and references

The Mandarin form of his name appears in different scripts and romanizations: simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese and pinyin. His tenure at the global police body is related to his work with Interpol and his prior service in China's Ministry of Public Security.