This article is from the source 'independent' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/british-gsk-investigator-freed-from-chinese-jail-10308913.html
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Sex, drugs and videotapes: British GSK investigator freed from Chinese jail | |
(about 11 hours later) | |
A British corporate investigator who was working for the drugs giant GlaxoSmithKline in China has been released from jail in Shanghai. | A British corporate investigator who was working for the drugs giant GlaxoSmithKline in China has been released from jail in Shanghai. |
Peter Humphrey was let out seven months early on health grounds and is understood to be in a Shanghai hospital. He will be deported to Britain once discharged. | Peter Humphrey was let out seven months early on health grounds and is understood to be in a Shanghai hospital. He will be deported to Britain once discharged. |
Mr Humphrey, a former journalist for Reuters, and his American wife, Yu Yingzeng, ran a risk consultancy called ChinaWhys in Shanghai that was used by a number of multinational companies. | Mr Humphrey, a former journalist for Reuters, and his American wife, Yu Yingzeng, ran a risk consultancy called ChinaWhys in Shanghai that was used by a number of multinational companies. |
But they were arrested after helping GSK investigate the source of a sex video involving its former China head, which had been sent anonymously to senior executives at the group along with emails alleging corruption. | But they were arrested after helping GSK investigate the source of a sex video involving its former China head, which had been sent anonymously to senior executives at the group along with emails alleging corruption. |
The pair were convicted for breaking a law against obtaining private records of Chinese citizens. At their one-day trial, they said they were unaware such acts were criminal. | The pair were convicted for breaking a law against obtaining private records of Chinese citizens. At their one-day trial, they said they were unaware such acts were criminal. |
His wife will be freed in coming weeks. Mr Humphrey was due to complete his two-and-a-half year sentence in January. | His wife will be freed in coming weeks. Mr Humphrey was due to complete his two-and-a-half year sentence in January. |
The couple’s son Harvey – who is at university in the UK – yesterday said: “I’m stunned and delighted. I hope to see both my parents as soon as possible.” | The couple’s son Harvey – who is at university in the UK – yesterday said: “I’m stunned and delighted. I hope to see both my parents as soon as possible.” |
A spokesman for the British consulate in Shanghai said: “We have been notified by the Chinese authorities that a British national detained in China has been released. We are providing consular assistance to the family.” | A spokesman for the British consulate in Shanghai said: “We have been notified by the Chinese authorities that a British national detained in China has been released. We are providing consular assistance to the family.” |
Shortly after Chinese authorities detained the couple in July 2013, the country’s police accused the drugs giant of funnelling money through travel agencies to bribe officials and doctors in China. | Shortly after Chinese authorities detained the couple in July 2013, the country’s police accused the drugs giant of funnelling money through travel agencies to bribe officials and doctors in China. |
The investigation of GSK in China led to a $489m (£319m) fine against the company last year for paying bribes to doctors to use its drugs. | The investigation of GSK in China led to a $489m (£319m) fine against the company last year for paying bribes to doctors to use its drugs. |
GSK declined to comment yesterday. | GSK declined to comment yesterday. |
Previous version
1
Next version