2,848 specialty-related corruption cases cracked

China has handled 2,848 graft cases related to local specialties, such as high-end alcohol and cigarettes, as well as 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 whom 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 targeted leading officials of the Party and government, as well as administrative staff of State-owned enterprises, was conducted across the country.

For example, a campaign was launched in Guizhou province against Yuan Renguo, former chairman of Kweichow Moutai Group, who stood trial in September for taking bribes.

The investigation looked into Party members and officials of State-owned enterprises who were violating rules to take part in businesses related to Moutai, a very popular and expensive liquor, and accepting or gifting it for personal gain.

Authorities handled 167 cases, punished 167 individuals and canceled 514 illegal dealers' business licenses, according to the report.

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

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

It urged Party organizations and cadres to fully recognize the inherent wrongness of and serious damage caused by such acts, saying that the CCDI and the NSC will strengthen the crackdown and further regulate and improve relevant systems.