Former education official faces prosecution over bribery charges

A retired education official in Yunnan province will face prosecution for bribery charges, the province's anti-graft watchdogs said on Wednesday afternoon.

An investigation conducted by officials in Kunming, capital of Yunnan, concluded that Luo Chongmin, former director of the province's education department, participated in for-profit schemes that were disguised as investments, sought benefits for others by taking advantage of his position and sought or accepted a large amount of property in return, according to a news release published on the official website of the Yunnan commission for discipline inspection and the Yunnan supervisory commission.

In addition, the former official was repeatedly involved in sexual affairs, the release said.

The release indicated that Luo retired in 2016 and was expelled from the Party the following year when he was found to have seriously violated Party disciplines.

According to the Yunnan education department, Luo was put under investigation for making remarks in which he allegedly insulted heroes and martyrs in July last year. During the investigation, he was found to have been involved in illegal and criminal activities.

He "showed no remorse after he was expelled from the Communist Party of China, and openly made harmful political remarks", the release said.

It noted that Luo was suspected of taking bribes and did not "restrain himself even after the 18th and 19th CPC national congresses", which were held in 2012 and 2017, respectively.

The release said his retirement remuneration was canceled, and that his case was transferred by the Kunming supervisory committee to a procuratorial organ for further investigation and prosecution. It added that all the property involved was also transferred.