Probed official said to have 6 mistresses

Ma Jian, former vice-minister of State security, reportedly has been found to have six mistresses and two illegitimate children, two months after the country's top anti-graft body announced an investigation into his alleged corruption.

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection announced on Jan 16 that it had launched an investigation into Ma, 59, for suspected serious violation of discipline and laws.

The latest issue of news magazine Caixin disclosed that Ma could have six villas in Beijing, along with six mistresses and two illegitimate sons, as the corruption investigation uncovers more details of his extravagant lifestyle.

Two of his mistresses work in the State security system, the report said.

Ma was disqualified as a member of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference on Feb 25, a week before the national legislative and political consultative sessions were held.

Ma, who is reported to have headed China's counterespionage programs, is the first senior official in the State security system to be investigated for corruption allegations. Two other officials in the system were also taken away for investigation related to the case, the Caixin report said.

Liang Ke, the former chief of the Beijing Bureau of State Security, was removed from his post in February of last year.

Before the investigation, Ma worked at the intelligence agency for more than 30 years. He was promoted to vice-minister of State security in 2006.

The investigation also found that Ma had acted as an umbrella for the business ventures of Guo Wengui, a tycoon from Henan province who has fled overseas to avoid the investigation.

Employing his power at the Ministry of State Security, Ma helped Guo secure a number of mergers and acquisitions, the report said.

With a net wealth of 15.5 billion yuan ($2.5 billion) last year, Guo and his family were ranked 125th on the China Rich List 2014.

Ma's brother, Ma Long, who is the deputy general manager of a financial institution, was also taken away for investigation, as well as his former secretary, the report said.