Washington D.C. – Reuters, July 21, 2025
China’s foreign ministry said on Monday that Chenyue Mao, the Wells Fargo (WFC.N) banker who has been blocked from leaving the country, was involved in a criminal case and was obliged to cooperate with the investigation.
Chinese law enforcement authorities have restricted Mao’s exit in accordance with the law, Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the ministry, told a regular press briefing.
Wells Fargo declined to comment. On Friday, the firm said it was “working through the appropriate channels” to secure Mao’s return to the United States.
The U.S. bank suspended all travel to China after Mao’s exit ban, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters last week, saying she was a U.S. citizen. It is not known exactly when the ban was imposed.
The case was being investigated and Mao was obliged to cooperate with the investigation, Guo said, without elaborating on the case or how and whether the banker was alleged to be involved.
“Everyone in China, whether they are Chinese or foreigners, must abide by Chinese laws,” Guo said, adding that China will protect their legitimate rights and interests in investigations.
