Former deputy head of State Administration of Grain expelled from CPC

BEIJING -- Xu Ming, former deputy head of the State Administration of Grain, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China over severe violations of Party discipline and laws, China's top anti-graft body announced Monday.

An investigation found that Xu took advantage of his position to seek benefits for his family member in business operation, and for others in business operation, project contracting and personal promotion, said a statement issued by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission, adding that he illegally accepted huge amounts of money and gifts in return.

He was also found to have taken private business owners' money and gifts, visited private clubs, and attended banquets in disregard of rules, according to the statement.

The investigation found Xu issued groundless criticisms of the Party's policies and indulged in superstitious activities. The statement said Xu, who was disloyal to the Party and morally corrupt, had lost his ideals and convictions and betrayed his original aspirations and mission.

A decision has been made to deprive Xu of the remuneration and benefits that go along with his former position, confiscate his illicit gains, and hand over his case to the designated procuratorate for further investigation and prosecution, the statement said.