Sun Lijun
Sun Lijun (孙力军, born January 1969, died approximately 2022) was a high-ranking Chinese security official who served as Vice Minister of Public Security. He was a prominent figure within the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) security apparatus until his downfall and subsequent investigation for corruption and political offenses.
Sun's career within the Ministry of Public Security saw him rise through the ranks, gaining influence and control over various departments. He was involved in the CCP's efforts to maintain social stability and suppress dissent. His responsibilities included overseeing security operations, investigations, and counter-terrorism efforts.
In April 2020, Sun Lijun was placed under investigation by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and the National Supervisory Commission (NSC) for suspected "serious violations of discipline and law," a common euphemism for corruption and political disloyalty.
The investigation into Sun Lijun revealed a complex web of corruption, political maneuvering, and alleged factionalism. He was accused of forming a "political clique" and engaging in activities that threatened the unity and leadership of the CCP. The official accusations against him included accepting bribes, abusing his power, and betraying the trust of the party.
His case was highly publicized in China, serving as a warning to other officials against engaging in corruption and disloyalty. The investigation into Sun and his associates led to the purging of several other officials within the security apparatus and other government departments.
In January 2022, Sun Lijun was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve for bribery, stock market manipulation, and illegal possession of firearms. This effectively amounted to a life sentence. Subsequently, reports emerged indicating that he had died in custody sometime around 2022, though official confirmation has been scarce. His case remains a significant event in the ongoing anti-corruption campaign within the CCP under Xi Jinping.