Distinction in travel journalism
Is independent travel journalism important to you?
Click here to keep it independent

22 Jul, 2013

China shuts down travel agency in GlaxoSmithKline bribery case

By Shi Yingyingin (chinadaily.com.cn)

Shanghai, 2013-07-19 – Shanghai’s tourism authority shut down a travel agency that is under bribery investigation in connection with British pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline, Xinhua News Agency said on Thursday.

Shanghai Linjiang International Travel Agency is suspected of falsifying bills, according to Shanghai Tourism Administration.

The agency was ordered to suspend business and overhaul internal procedures. An inspection team and police are investigating.

Earlier this month, police accused GSK China of bribing government officials and doctors to boost sales. Four senior executives have been detained. Weng Jianyong, the travel agency’s legal representative, was also detained.

GSK reportedly has transferred up to 3 billion yuan ($489 million) in suspected bribes to 700 agencies in the past six years.