(Yicai) June 17 -- Xiaomi said it has sacked the general managers of the Chinese electronics giant's international business divisions in Western Europe and Latin America on suspicion of severe rule and discipline violations, including fabricating outsourcing deals and soliciting bribes.

Ou Wen, who was the relevant GM in Western Europe, was fired after allegedly forging outsourcing deals involving a lot of money, Xiaomi announced yesterday. The firm has initiated proceedings to pursue criminal charges and civil damages, it added.

Chen Bingxu, who was the relevant GM in Latin America, was sacked on suspicion of demanding a huge amount of bribes, receiving expensive gifts, and accepting lavish entertainment from business partners, Xiaomi noted. He has also been deprived of options and must compensate for causing losses, it said.

Ou and Chen were appointed as GMs in September of 2019.

Xiaomi's revenue from overseas markets was about CNY121.8 billion (USD16.8 billion) last year, accounting for 45 percent of its total, it said in its annual earnings report.

Beijing-based Xiaomi ranked second in shipments in the Middle East last year and among the top three in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, according to data from market research firm Canalys. It made the top three in 51 markets worldwide and the top five in 65 markets.

Phone maker Honor, on-demand services giant Meituan, and internet titan Tencent Holdings have also released the results of their anti-corruption measures since the start of this year.

Editor: Martin Kadiev