Beijing, July 22 (Reuters) – China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Monday that Chenyue Mao, a Wells Fargo managing director, has been barred from leaving the country due to her involvement in a criminal case.
Spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated at a regular press briefing that Chinese authorities had lawfully restricted Mao’s exit and that she was required to cooperate with the ongoing investigation. However, he did not disclose further details about the nature of the case or Mao’s specific role.
Guo emphasized that all individuals in China, regardless of nationality, must comply with Chinese law, adding that Beijing ensures the legal rights of those under investigation are protected.
The exit ban has reportedly disrupted Wells Fargo’s operations, with a source familiar with the matter telling Reuters last week that the U.S. bank had temporarily suspended all travel to China following the restriction.
Mao, originally from Shanghai but based in Atlanta, is a senior executive at Wells Fargo specializing in international factoring.