A Hong Kong newspaper says the former Chinese provincial police chief who triggered China's biggest political scandal in two decades will be tried for treason as early as next month.

The South China Morning Post, citing unnamed sources, reported Monday that a special legal team has been established for the trial of former Chongqing police chief Wang Lijun, who could face the death penalty.

Wang was a key ally of Chongqing party boss Bo Xilai, who had been widely expected to ascend to the Politburo later this year, until he was ousted over a scandal involving alleged murder and corruption.

The Hong Kong daily said Wang's trial will take place in Sichuan province's capital, Chengdu, home to the U.S. consulate where Wang fled in February, reportedly to seek political asylum.

Shortly after Wang's visit to the consulate, the ambitious Bo was removed from his post as Communist Party leader of Chongqing.

Sources told The Post the swift handling of Wang's trial would indicate that authorities want to resolve the Bo matter quickly to clear the air ahead of a once-in -a-decade leadership transition later this year.

The South China Morning Post said if Wang's trial proceeds, it is likely the outcome of Bo's case and his wife's case will also be “known shortly.”

Bo's wife is a suspect in the mysterious death of a British businessman.