BEIJING (Web Desk) – A former top aide to ex-Chinese President Hu Jintao has been charged with corruption and removed from the party, BBC reported China’s state media.
Ling Jihua is accused of taking bribes and committing sexual misconduct. Mr Ling was demoted in 2012 after reports that his son died in a high-speed Ferrari crash in Beijing.
His arrest comes amid a crackdown on alleged corruption by current president Xi Jinping.
An investigation into Mr Ling’s alleged wrongdoing was announced by authorities in December. He was accused at the time of “serious disciplinary violations” – usually a euphemism for corruption.
Xinhua has now reported that Mr Ling “seriously violated the political discipline and rules of the CPC (Communist Party of China)”, citing a statement released by the ruling party’s central committee.
“He took advantage of his posts to seek profit for others and accepted huge bribes personally and through his family,” the report said.
The report also accused Mr Ling of using his position to commit adultery and benefit his wife’s business.
