Beijing (CNN) -- It's the Chinese crime story of the century and a major embarrassment for the country's all-powerful Communist Party. 

In late July, Bo Xilai, a former darling of the party, was finally indicted on corruption charges. His trial is expected to begin on Thursday, August 22, the latest chapter in a gripping tale of murder, betrayal and political factionalism. 

The authorities claim he abused his official state position to seek financial benefits, resulting in "huge losses to the nation and the people." 

"The circumstances are extremely serious," a statement in the state-run Xinhua news agency declared a few days later. 

But a source close to the Bo family for decades says the claims are "ridiculous." 

"The charges go way back when Bo was in Dalian. That's more than 20 years ago. So they cannot find anything more recent?" 

READ MORE: Bo Xilai indicted for corruption 

Until March 2012, the charismatic, populist leader was a member of the policy-making politburo of the Communist Party and party chief of Chongqing, a megacity in southwestern China. 

Bo, 64, is currently in detention, awaiting a trial that could cap the biggest political scandal to hit China in decades. He has not been seen in public since news of the scandal emerged, and he was stripped of his role as Chongqing party chief and later his prestigious politburo post. 

TIMELINE: Bo's fall from grace 

Bo stands accused of bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power. According to the indictment documents, as a civil servant he took advantage of his position to seek profit from others and accepted an extremely large amount of money and properties, Xinhua reported. The documents don't quantify the amount of bribes allegedly accepted, but published reports say it could be as much as 20 million yuan ($3.3 million). 
What was he a member of until 2012?
Until March 2012, the charismatic, populist leader was a member of the policy-making politburo of the Communist Party