Senior Zhejiang official expelled from CPC and public office for serious violations

Zhu Congjiu, the former vice-chairman of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and removed from his public office due to serious violations of Party discipline and law, as announced by China's top anti-graft watchdogs on Tuesday.

The CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission issued a statement indicating that Zhu's ill-gotten gains have been confiscated, and both his case and the associated assets will be transferred to procuratorial authorities for review and prosecution.

According to the statement, Zhu was implicated in forming cliques and factions, bringing banned books into the country, and reading them over an extended period. He also resisted inspections from Party organizations.

Zhu repeatedly accepted arrangements for banquets and travel activities that could compromise the impartial performance of his official duties. He also failed to report personal matters as required by regulations and used his influence to seek benefits for relatives and others in matters of recruitment and job promotions.

Furthermore, Zhu neglected to address his wife's illegal business activities, intervened in market economic operations, as well as law enforcement and judicial activities, and misused his power to seek improper financial benefits for his relatives. He also assisted others in matters of company listing, financing, and loans in exchange for a substantial amount of property and money.

Zhu, a 58-year-old native of Anhui province, joined the CPC in 1985 and began his career in 1988, primarily in the finance sector. He held key positions such as the general manager of the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the assistant to the Chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission. From May 2012 to July 2022, he served as the vice-governor of Zhejiang province. In January 2023, he became the vice-chairman of the CPPCC Zhejiang Provincial Committee until he was placed under disciplinary inspection and supervisory investigation in May.