Executives from NetEase have been detained on suspicions of involvement in money laundering and bribery

Authorities have detained nine employees from NetEase over charges of bribery and money laundering, with the alleged activities involving approximately $139.3 million.

According to Bloomberg Law, among those reportedly detained are general manager Jin Yuchen and esports division director Xiang Liang.

The suspected misconduct took place in the esports as well as the distribution and marketing departments, as noted by the Chinese news outlet Yicai Global.

Additionally, authorities are investigating several external individuals connected with these corruption charges. NetEase stated that 27 external businesses have been barred due to their association with the involved staff.

An internal communication revealed that the nine employees have been dismissed and removed from the company's records.

A NetEase representative informed Eurogamer that the police are examining the corruption allegations, though further details remain undisclosed.

Eurogamer also reported that this marks the second private investigation into corruption initiated by NetEase since September 2023.