China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign has reached the funeral services sector, uncovering widespread misconduct and illegal activities. State media reports revealed that investigations across multiple provinces have unearthed a range of offenses, including illegal fees, unauthorized cemetery operations, and corrupt practices by long-serving managers and officials within funeral establishments. This news comes on the heels of a highly publicized scandal involving the illegal harvesting, theft, and resale of thousands of corpses, further highlighting ethical concerns surrounding the industry.
The scandal, initially reported by the state-backed outlet, the Paper, went viral on social media, prompting authorities to launch investigations across eight provinces: Anhui, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin, Liaoning, Sichuan, and Yunnan. The state-run China Daily reported that these investigations have uncovered numerous cases of misconduct by employees of funeral parlours and related entities. Dozens of individuals, many with extensive experience in the industry, have been implicated.
In the eastern province of Anhui, investigators detained Zhang Duo, an employee of the Panji district funeral home in Huainan city, for “suspected serious violations of discipline and law,” a common phrase used to describe corruption cases. In southwestern Sichuan, disciplinary officials in the city of Dazhou have taken action against 89 individuals, detaining six. A manager with over 30 years of experience in the funeral industry, surnamed Yang, is also under investigation in Quxian county.
Authorities in northeastern Jilin have intensified efforts to address corruption and misconduct within the funeral industry in response to public complaints. These investigations highlight the growing concern among citizens about unethical practices within the funeral services sector.
The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), China’s top anti-graft watchdog, has reiterated its commitment to President Xi Jinping’s directives to root out corrupt officials. The CCDI’s website has repeatedly emphasized the need for a firm stance against corruption, bribery, and the underlying issues that contribute to these problems.
The ongoing crackdown on corruption in the funeral industry underscores the Chinese government’s commitment to addressing systemic issues and upholding ethical standards across various sectors. The investigations and subsequent actions taken by authorities aim to ensure accountability, restore public trust, and prevent further exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
