Interpol announces agency president's resignation

By Sibel Ugurlu

ANKARA (AA) - Interpol President Meng Hongwei, who was first reported missing, then remanded in China over unspecified suspected violations of the law, resigned as president of the international police organization.

In a statement, Interpol said: “Today, Sunday Oct. 7, the Interpol General Secretariat in Lyon, France received the resignation of Mr Meng Hongwei as President of Interpol with immediate effect."

Vice President Kim Jong Yang from South Korea serving on Interpol's executive committee is now the acting president, the global police network announced.

Meng, 64-year-old Chinese national, was elected as the head of Interpol in November 2016, succeeding the French Mireille Ballestrazzi.

Interpol said the new president for the remaining two years would be elected on Nov. 18-21 during the 87th General Assembly Session to be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

On Saturday, Interpol issued a media statement officially requesting clarification from China about the well-being of Meng Hongwei.

Later, the Chinese Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, which combats corruption, said Meng was under investigation on suspicion of violating the law.