Former senior legislator expelled from Party

BEIJING - Tan Xiwei, a former senior legislator in Chongqing Municipality, has been expelled from office and the Communist Party of China (CPC) for allegedly taking bribes, the central anti-graft watchdog said Tuesday.

Tan was former deputy director of Chongqing Municipal People's Congress Standing Committee. He is suspected of taking a large amount in bribes by himself or through his wife and taking advantage of his position to seek benefits for others, said the CPC's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) in a statement.

The CCDI has reviewed the case, saying that Tan's acts seriously violated discipline and laws, and he is suspected of committing crimes.

In accordance with discipline regulations of the CPC and approved by the CPC Central Committee, Tan was expelled from office and the CPC, the CCDI said.

Tan's case will be transferred to judicial bodies, the statement said.