Prosecution of PLA General Xu Caihou for graft about to begin, sources say

Mainland authorities are ready to begin prosecuting General Xu Caihou , a former vice-chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission, according to four separate sources familiar with the case.

Xu would be the highest-ranking People's Liberation Army officer to go on trial for corruption.

Authorities have started to brief senior military officials, both current and retired ones, across the country in recent days on the findings of the investigation, suggesting the probe was entering its final stage.

The authorities will make a public announcement very soon, sources said.

The South China Morning Post reported in March Xu had been taken from his bed at the 301 Military Hospital in Beijing by an escort of dozens of armed police.

Speculation has focused on the relationship of the 71-year-old general with another retired senior leader, Zhou Yongkang , who is also the subject of a corruption investigation, and with Bo Xilai , a former member of the Politburo who is serving jail terms for corruption and abuse of power.