Interpol President Meng Hongwei has been reported missing after leaving France for a trip to his native China, triggering a police investigation and search for the official, who hasn't been seen since Sept. 29.
Police in Lyon, France — where Interpol is based — were alerted to Meng's seeming disappearance by his wife, who said she became worried when he fell out of touch after leaving for a trip to China, according to Le Parisien . His wife and children live in Lyon, reports Europe 1 .
Details about the case are still emerging; as for where Meng is believed to have gone missing, a source tells Agence France-Presse, "He did not disappear in France."
French authorities have not released any details about the investigation; instead, it's been described by multiple sources who spoke to media outlets.
Interpol released a statement saying only that it was "aware of media reports in connection with the alleged disappearance" of Meng. The agency added, "This is a matter for the relevant authorities in both France and China."
Meng was elected president of Interpol in 2016; his term runs through 2020. He is a veteran of China's police and security systems, serving as the country's vice minister of public security and the head of the country's Interpol bureau. His past duties include running China's counter-terrorism office.
Interpol has 192 member nations, in an organization that allows police agencies to collaborate and share resources. Its president heads the executive committee, which guides Interpol's priorities and strategy. Interpol's day-to-day operations are overseen by its secretary general.
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