Ai Weiwei disappears at the Beijing International Capital Airport while on his way to Hong Kong and Taiwan. Beijing Fake Cultural Development Ltd ("Fake Ltd"),. the company co-owned by Ai's wife Lu Qing that employs Ai as consultant, is raided by Beijing police. Over the next week, several of Ai's colleagues are detained and interrogated. Four of Ai's business associates, Liu Zhenggang, Hu MIngfen, Wen Tao, and Zhang Jinsong, also disappear.
Ai Weiwei is released on bail after 81 days in secret detention. His four associates are also released shortly after.
Beijing Local Taxation Bureau Second Tax Inspection Bureau holds first closed-door hearing for Fake Ltd.
Beijing Tax Bureau determines that Fake Ltd. has committed tax evasion and imposes a 15m RMB fine.
Fake Ltd. requests administrative review of decision, which is rejected.
Fake Ltd. sues Beijing Tax Bureau at Beijing Chaoyang District People's Court. The court trial was held on 20 June; on 20 July the court rejected Fake Ltd.'s case.
Fake Ltd. appeals to Beijing Second Intermediate People's Court, which upholds the original decision on 27 September.