Corruption probe into top figure at Chinese state-owned steel company
Baosteel vice-president Cui Jian becomes latest figure at state-owned company to be snared as Communist Party watchdog shifts focus
A senior executive at one of China's largest steel companies is being investigated on suspicion of corruption, as the Communist Party's anti-graft watchdog shifts its focus to major state-owned enterprises.
Cui Jian, 55, vice-president of the Shanghai-based Baosteel Group, was suspected of "serious disciplinary violations", a euphemism for corruption, Shanghai disciplinary authorities said in a brief statement that did not give further details.
Inspectors from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection visited Baosteel early last month.
Chief graft-buster Wang Qishan announced early this year that the first round of inspections for 2015 would focus on 26 top state-owned enterprises (SOEs), including key players in oil and energy, electricity, telecoms, transport, materials and minerals, and construction.
Wang told graft investigators that disciplinary problems were common at SOEs, where some leaders had bribed their way up the party ladder.
"Some officials have used their power to buy high and sell low and profited in tenders, benefiting their relatives, children and themselves," Wang said.