On November 7, iFeng Technology (Phoenix New Media) reported that NetEase Games has undertaken an internal investigation into alleged corruption, zeroing in on several senior executives within its marketing division. Among those questioned is the general manager of marketing at NetEase Games, along with several others who have been taken in for investigation.

“This is still in its early stages, and the results will take some time,” said a NetEase employee, who added that the marketing department is vast, encompassing various units like the distribution channel center and other marketing branches.

Rumors circulating in industry chat groups hint that the investigation could involve sums totaling in the hundreds of millions of RMB. The scope appears to extend to several high-ranking figures.

Amid the speculation, executives Wu Xinxin and Zhang Haixing have posted cryptic updates on social media, which some readers interpret as signaling their well-being.

36Kr reached out to NetEase for comment, but the company has not yet responded as of publication. The news outlet will continue tracking developments.

NetEase Games began a series of internal audits in 2023, according to 36Kr. Around this time, payment procedures within the marketing department reportedly became stricter.

According to a NetEase employee, the department’s marketing campaigns require payments to multiple suppliers, which raised concerns over potential bribes and abuse of power. This focus aligns with recent tightening of payment procedures within the department.

Earlier this year, several executives reportedly left the company amid investigations, a trend that may tie into the ongoing corruption probe, which is said to span other departments beyond marketing.

KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This article was written by Liu Shiwu for 36Kr.