The case against former security chief Zhou Yongkang appears to be building as his son, Zhou Bin, is seeking a legal team to prepare for his trial. Last month, Reuters reported that Zhou Bin had been placed under “quasi-detention” but the South China Morning Post now reports that his arrest has been formalized:
Zhou Bin, 41, is seeking legal assistance over possible bribery and other charges, according to three people familiar with the case who declined to be named.
Zhou Bin is allegedly involved in illegal dealings in Sichuan and the oil industry.
He has been formally detained since December.
His detention is a crucial step towards launching judicial proceedings against Zhou, and possibly also his father, who would become the highest-ranking party leader in decades to be embroiled in a graft scandal.
Zhou the elder is also reportedly being held under house arrest, though no formal charges against him have been announced. CDT has found numerous keywords related to Zhou Yongkang that have been blocked by Sina Weibo search.