Officers investigated over cover-ups that harm nature

Law enforcement officers involved in aiding or covering up environmental crimes will come under increasing scrutiny from prosecutors, the top prosecuting agency said on Tuesday.

Dereliction of duty and malpractice in ecological and environmental protection have caused 15 deaths and 1.3 billion yuan ($209 million) in economic losses since 2014, according to the Supreme People's Procuratorate.

"To seek huge benefits and enhance GDP performance, some local officials and law enforcement officers have abused their power to cover up such crimes or reduced lawbreakers' punishment," said Li Zhongcheng, a senior official at the SPP's malfeasance and infringement investigation department.