Chinese Solar Executive’s Attempted Tea Bag Bribe a ‘Cultural Thing’

A Chinese businessman, Zhu Guoxin, attempted to bribe a Commonwealth official with $20,000 concealed in a bag of tea, claiming it was a cultural gift. The official discovered the money and reported the incident, leading to Zhu’s arrest and extradition. Zhu admitted to hiding the money after the Clean Energy Council denied requests for expedited product approval.

• Zhu Guoxin, a Chinese solar energy businessman, attempted to bribe a Commonwealth official.
• The bribe consisted of $20,000 hidden within a bag of tea presented as a cultural gift.
• The official discovered the money and reported the bribery attempt.
• Zhu was arrested at Sydney International Airport while attempting to leave the country.
• He admitted to hiding the money after his company’s request for faster product approval was denied.