The detained Chinese head of Interpol, Meng Hongwei, is being investigated for alleged bribe-taking, Chinese authorities have announced.
Mr Meng was first reported missing in late September after travelling from Interpol HQ in France to China.
His wife has revealed that he sent her a text message with a knife emoji on the day he went missing.
Mr Meng is the latest high-profile target to be ensnared in China’s sweeping anti-corruption campaign.
He is also a vice-minister for public security in the country.
In its announcement of the investigation, China’s Public Security Ministry said the probe was “correct, wise and shows the determination of [President Xi]’s administration to continue its anti-corruption drive”.
Interpol is the global policing agency that co-ordinates between police forces around the world, including searches for missing and wanted persons.
Interpol’s general secretariat oversees the day-to-day work of the 192-member organisation, with the role of the president largely ceremonial.
