Probe begins on former vice minister of finance

By Chen Xingjie  |   2008-10-23  |     ONLINE EDITION

FORMER Vice Minister of Finance Zhu Zhigang is under investigation by the CPC's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, Xinhua News agency reported today.

The probe could have been sparked by another case in which Zhu's family members allegedly bought property at extremely low prices during Zhu's term as vice financial minister, the report said citing sources close to the case.

Though the probe started before October, it was not until October 15 that Zhu was listed under double designation status, the report said. It means a Party member or official is ordered to explain or confess his or her involvement in a disciplinary violation or corruption case within a "designated" period of time and at a "designated" place. This procedure is usually followed by an arrest and charges filed at a criminal court.

Several people in Beijing's property and accounting industries are also allegedly involved, the report said.

Zhu, 58, now a minister-level official, was promoted to dean of the Finance and Economy Committee and the Budgetary Affairs Commission of the National People's Congress earlier this year.

He served as vice financial minister for seven years from July 2000 to May 2007, according to the report.