Family members of former top Chinese government official under scrutiny over corruption charges

The Global Times cited media reports which said that family members of former Political Bureau Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee member Zhou Yongkang are now under investigation by authorities over alleged corruption by using their connections in the government. Brother Zhou Yuanqing and wife Lingying, along with Yongkang, were claimed to have connections with affiliates of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) at the time when Yongkang was still in his position from 1988 to 1998. Yuanqing was then head of the land and resources bureau in Huishan district of Wuxi in Jiangsu Province.

The company jointly founded by Lingying and Kunlun Energy Company under CNPC was granted sole license of selling Audi vehicles in Jiangyin, Jiangsu Province, Global Times said. According to a report by Caixin magazine on Monday, the sales license would only happen if the company had serious ties with officials not even top Audi management executives could do.

Moreover, Caixin said in its report that the relatives of Yuanqing also benefited from their government connections, often getting money from others to help them out of legal issues.

It was also stated in media reports that Yongkang's son, Zhou Bin, was able to build his business empire thanks to government connections, and for one was able to profit from transferring an affordable housing program to a real estate company.

The online Chinese news site said the mainland launched a crackdown of corrupt officials in the government last year. Global Times added that Yongkang, who has long retired from the government service in November of 2012, was finally mentioned in a speech given by a spokesperson for the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference session about addressing corruption charges against former and current government officials. According to the speech, the Chinese government will be punishing officials found guilty of corruption severely regardless of position.

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Political Bureau Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Zhou Yongkang corruption probe, Zhou Yongkang

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