The governor of China’s economically important eastern province of Fujian has been placed under investigation as President Xi Jinping continues a campaign against corruption at all levels of government.
Su Shulin was suspected of “serious violations of discipline”, said a one-sentence statement issued Wednesday by the ruling Communist party’s corruption watchdog body, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.
No details were given but the terminology usually applies to accusations of corruption and abuse of power.
Su took over as Fujian governor in 2011 after a lengthy career in the oil industry, which has been a major target of anti-corruption investigators.
Starting as a geologist in the north-eastern Daqing oil patch, Su rose to general manager of China’s largest oil refiner, Sinopec, before moving into the provincial government offices.
He is among the highest-ranking serving officials to be caught up in the anti-corruption drive launched soon after Xi’s assumption of China’s presidency in March 2013.
A former state security chief and member of the ruling party’s inner circle, Zhou Yongkang, who held key positions in the state oil sector, was sentenced to life in prison in June for corruption and other crimes.
Another former Sinopec general manager, Wang Tianpu, has also been placed under investigation for corruption, a step that almost always leads to criminal charges, prosecution and a lengthy prison sentence.(Asia Times)
Link: http://atimes.com/2015/10/former-head-of-chinas-sinopec-under-investigation-for-corruption/
20
