China today expelled its "morally corrupt" former national statistics chief from the ruling Communist Party and the public office, accusing him of "insatiably" trading power and money for sex besides following superstitious beliefs.
Wang Baoan, former head of the National Bureau of Statistics - which is responsible for calculating China's economic figures, will be prosecuted over "suspected severe disciplinary violations" for which he was put under probe since January.
Wang has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and removed from public office, the country's anti- corruption watchdog Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) said in an official statement.
He is said to have "absolutely no political belief," chronically engaged in superstitious activities, severely violated political discipline and rules, and made speeches that went against the CPC Central Committee on key issues, the statement said.
Describing Wang as "morally bankrupt," it also accused him of frequenting high-end hotels and luxurious entertainment venues, as well as trading power and money for sex "insatiably".
"Wang accepted gifts and money and used his influence to seek benefits and business conveniences for relatives and others, and is suspected of having committed bribery," state-run Xinhua news agency reported, citing the statement.
"As a high-level official, Wang abandoned his ideals and beliefs and severely violated party discipline. Even after the 18th CPC National Congress, he still showed no sign of restraint and (his wrongdoings) were of a grave nature," it said.
Wang's illegal gains will be confiscated and his case transferred to the judiciary, it added.
His expulsion came after a top Chinese general was arrested for "violating party discipline", a common euphemism in China for corruption, in the latest target of a high-level anti-graft drive.
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