Chu Wenbin, former Nanchang University president, convicted of corruption

Chu Wenbin, the former president of Nanchang University in Jiangxi province, has been convicted of massive corruption and embezzlement. Once celebrated as a star of China’s higher education reform and nicknamed the “most handsome university president in China,” Chu used his 11-year tenure (2002–2013) to treat the institution as his “own independent kingdom.”

According to reports from CCTV, Chu accepted bribes exceeding 20 million RMB and embezzled over 58 million RMB in public funds. He reportedly squandered hundreds of millions of RMB on extravagant projects, including golden dragon statues, luxury landscaping, and artificial lakes.

Beyond financial crimes, the court proceedings detailed personal misconduct, including illicit relationships with more than 20 women. The 95-page indictment also noted his obsession with feng shui, which included arranging for a feng shui master to provide lectures to students.