Former deputy chief of State Tobacco Monopoly Administration expelled from CPC

BEIJING, July 6 (Xinhua) -- He Zehua, former deputy chief of China's State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) over serious violations of discipline and laws.

The punishment was announced on Thursday in an official statement by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision.

An investigation into He found that he was disloyal to the Party, resisted investigations into his problems, and participated in banquets at public fund and banquets organized by private owners in the tobacco industry, according to the statement.

Other offenses include: seeking benefit for others through the selection and appointment of officials in return for money and property; long-term violations of regulations in running businesses to gain huge economic benefit; using the influence of his former position to benefit his relatives after retirement; and taking advantage of his position to seek profits for others in personnel promotion, employee recruitment and tobacco business contracting, and accepting huge amounts of money and property in return.

He's activities have gravely breached Party discipline and constitute significant violations of duty-related laws, the statement said, adding that he is also suspected of the criminal offense of accepting bribes.

In line with Party regulations and laws, a decision has been made to expel him from the Party, confiscate his illicit gains and hand over his case for judicial proceedings.