The Chinese actress was reportedly put under 'residential surveillance at a designated location' during investigation about her tax evasion case.

• Oct 5, 2018

AceShowbiz - Fan Bingbing is reportedly free, weeks after she was reported missing amid rumors of tax evasion. Hong Kong's South China Morning Post reported on Thursday, October 4 that the Chinese actress was released after an unspecified period of "residential surveillance at a designated location."

The place, which is described as a "holiday resort," is reportedly located near Wuxi, in Jiangsu province where the government used to take errant Communist Party officials for interrogation. Bingbing was allegedly released roughly two weeks ago and has returned to Beijing, where she resides.

Bingbing, who starred in Hollywood superhero blockbuster "X-Men: Days of Future Past" (2014), was reported missing in September, after she was not seen in any public events since June. Rumors sparked that she might be kidnapped by the Chinese government after Securities Daily, part of the state-run media, published an article saying that Bingbing had been brought "under control and about to receive legal judgment." The article was later deleted.

On October 3, China's State Administration of Taxation confirmed that Bingbing owes up to $128 million in back taxes, fees and additional fines following an investigation. She was fined nearly $70 million for underreported earnings and an additional $60 million in back taxes her production company owes.

Admitting her guilt, the 37-year-old actress, model, television and pop singer released a statement via her Weibo account. "I failed my country which nurtured me; I failed the society which trusted me; I failed the fans who liked me," she wrote, according to translations.

She stated, "Everything I ever accomplished came from the country and the people's support. I would be nothing without the party and the country's good policies, as well as the love and support of the people." The highest paid actress in China added, "I totally accepted all of them, and will raise funds to pay my taxes and penalties regardless of any obstacles."

Bingbing will avoid a criminal trial and inevitable conviction if she pays the money she owes to the country in full.