Former vice minister of justice expelled from CPC

BEIJING, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Liu Zhiqiang, a former vice minister of justice, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC), an official statement said on Tuesday.

With the approval of the CPC Central Committee, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision launched an investigation into Liu for serious violations of discipline and law.

The investigation revealed that Liu, also a former member of the Ministry of Justice's leading Party members group, abused his power and influence to benefit others, allowing his relatives to receive money in return.

He was also found to take advantage of his position to seek benefits for others in business operations, project contracting and job promotion, accepting huge amounts of money and property in return.

The statement noted that Liu's actions constituted serious duty-related malfeasance and he is suspected of bribe-taking.

In line with Party regulations and laws, a decision has been made to expel him from the CPC and confiscate his illicit gains, according to the statement.

Liu's case will be referred to the procuratorate for review and prosecution, it added. ■