The investigation into disgraced Chinese official Bo Xilai may be causing ripples in Macao. In November, more than six people from a major Macau casino were reportedly questioned by Chinese authorities about their ties to Bo. Macao has turned into China's gambling hub in recent years. Authorities suspect it's also become a hot bed for corruption.
Bo Xilai, the former Chongqing Party chief, is facing accusations of major graft, abuse of power and is implicated in his wife's murder of British businessman Neil Heywood. He has not been officially charged, but prosecutors have been asked to investigate.
[Xia Ming, Political Science Professor]
"They can't just rush this case. It's dragged on for so long so they need make sure they cover every ground, at least this will reduce disputes over how the investigation is handled. They want to make sure they have enough evidence to nail the case."
According to British paper The Times, the six men questioned had alleged links to money laundering. It cited a source saying they were asked about a corruption case involving a, quote, "former senior Chinese official."
In September, the Communist Party's internal disciplinary organ expelled Bo from the Party. He has not been seen in public since his sacking as Chongqing's Party chief in March. Before that, he made a trip to Macau, meeting with the region's former Chief Executive, Edmund Ho, in February.
Macau has a booming casino industry, raking in more than six times in gambling revenue than Las Vegas. Chinese authorities limit the amount of cash that individuals can move out of the country, but Macau is seen as a place where gambling junkets allow corrupt officials to funnel money overseas.
Bo's downfall had unravelled a complex power struggle within the regime. It threatened to upset November's once-a-decade power transfer. Chinese leaders have not announced when Bo would stand trial, though some speculate it could happen before next March. That's when the power transition will be completed, with Hu Jintao making way for Xi Jinping as the next leader of the communist state.
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