Special crackdown hits officials over corruption

CHINA has handled 2,848 graft cases related to local specialties, such as high-end alcohol and cigarettes, and rare resources in a special crackdown led by the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission.

A total of 4,217 people have been punished, of which 749 were transferred to judicial organs, 2,009 were dealt with according to Party discipline, and 307 were admonished, according to a report issued by the commissions.

The crackdown, which targets leading officials of the Party and government, as well as administrative staff of state-owned enterprises, was conducted across the country.

In southwest China’s Guizhou Province, Party officials and members at all levels were notified of the case of Yuan Renguo, former chairman of Kweichow Moutai Group, which produces the high-end Moutai liquor distilled in the town of Maotai. Yuan stood trial in September for taking bribes.

A campaign was launched in the province to thoroughly investigate clues of Party members and officials of stateowned enterprises taking part in business related to Moutai liquor in violation of rules and accepting or gifting Moutai liquor for personal benefit, handling 167 cases, punishing 167 individuals and canceling 514 illegal dealers’ business licences.

The State Tobacco Monopoly Administration has taken stronger action against overpriced tobacco as well as officials who take advantage of the exclusive selling rights of tobacco for personal benefit, filing 111 cases and punishing 300 people.

Those who personally benefited from valuable local specialties and resources violated Party discipline and the law, went against the original aspiration and the mission of the Party and severely damaged the political ecosystem, said the report.

(Xinhua)