BEIJING - Duan Zhenhao, a candidate academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), one of China's leading scientific research institutes, was placed under criminal detention for being suspected of corruption.

After some reports of Duan's corruption practices appeared online, the supervision and auditing department of the CAS's Institute of Geology and Geophysics, where Duan worked as a researcher, conducted an investigation into his use of scientific funds, said a statement issued by the institute on its website Thursday.

The investigation also included checks of Duan's moral performance that might have involved corruption and other problems, the statement said.

After the investigation, the institute decided to send the case to the judiciary authorities, the statement said.

The institute attaches equal importance to researchers' academic capabilities and their moral integrity, and adopts a zero-tolerance attitude in convictions of corruption and criminal offenses when a researcher with a high academic level and reputation is involved, the statement said.