Mr Wei, who was sharing a hotel room with Mr Li, later asked an undercover informant to take a fish and wildlife officer out for dinner and offer her money to help Mr Li, prosecutors said.

BBC: Three charged in rhino horn smuggling ring

The Pakistani president and prime minister also made a "very rare and very special" break with diplomatic protocol by meeting Mr Li at the airport, the newspaper adds.

BBC: China media: North Korea diplomacy

The elder Mr Li, his widow and son say, feuded for years with village leaders over how land had been distributed.

ECONOMIST: Rural activism

Chetham's officials said Mr Li, a part-time tutor, has been suspended and encouraged anyone with information to contact police.

BBC: Chetham's School of Music: Man held in sex abuse inquiry

Nonetheless, Mr Li's companies rank among the few that international investors have consistently trusted with their money, even through the crisis.

ECONOMIST: A survey of Asian business

The battle ended with Jardines buying back the shares the consortium had amassed, in return for a promise from Mr Li and his chums that they would not attempt to buy any of Jardines' businesses.

ECONOMIST: Superman versus the hong