NetEase Games should be celebrating Marvel Rivals’ impending launch, instead, the Chinese company has been left reeling following the dramatic arrest of several key officials in the company due to a money laundering controversy.
Marvel Rivals could be the shooter to break the online multiplayer dominance of other shooters: Call of Duty, Fortnite, Overwatch, and Apex Legends (amongst others.) Other newcomers—such as Deadlock—are doing their best to make an impact, but Marvel Rivals’ superhero star power has the potential to supersede all.
Money laundering, arrests, and an intense investigation and scrutiny were likely not on the Marvel Rivals bingo card though. If you’re confused, it’s understandable—so let’s explain all.
Marvel Rivals Money Laundering Controversy—Explained
The Marvel Rivals money laundering Controversy potentially involves several high-ranking NetEase officials who have been arrested due to allegations of money laundering amounting to potentially $300 million.
I appreciate this is a lot to take in, so let’s start from the top. The original story was broken by Chinese outlet Leifeng, and on Nov. 7, 2024, the translated exclusive said this, “Multiple sources said that Xiang Lang, the GM (general manager) of NetEase Games in charge of marketing, was taken away by NetEase’s internal integrity department for investigation, and it is said that the police have intervened, and the specific case is under investigation.”
The story continues and reports the potentially laundered amount equates to Two Billion Yuan—or $275,800,000, as of writing. It does go on to say the full amount is actually closer to 800 Million to 1 Billion Yuan—making the final amount in the region of $111.4 million to $139.3 million.
Leifeng also says Xiang Lang—the general manager of NetEase—was taken away by NetEase’s internal integrity department for investigation, and it is said the police have intervened, and the specific case is under investigation.” The money laundered reportedly affects up to 28 companies, and the investigation is set to continue.
If you’re worried this affects Marvel Rivals, you can put those doubts to rest. Despite the ongoing controversy, Marvel Rivals is still gearing up for its Dec. 6 release date, and production on the shooter seems to be unaffected. Whatever is going on behind the scenes at NetEase, we can put these alleged business indiscretions to one side, and look forward to a fully fledged superhero title in the Marvel universe.
What do you make of the money laundering controversy? Get involved a drop a comment. For more on Marvel Rivals, read up on how much it costs and if it’s free to play, as well as its roadmap details.
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