Less 'flies' netted as China extends graft crackdown

BEIJING - The number of low-level officials violating anti-bureaucracy rules fell for the second consecutive month, according to the disciplinary authority on Thursday.

The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) said 119 officials had flouted regulations, compared with 131 in November, and 163 in October.

Since July, the CCDI has been publicizing those who have been "corrupt around the public" on a monthly basis.

Most violators worked at community-level government organs or state firms. They are described as "flies" due to their rank, while those from the upper echelons are given the moniker "tigers."

Punishments meted out range from warnings to dismissals. Violations include accepting bribes, embezzlement, dereliction of duty, abuse of power, and charging unauthorized fees, according to the CCDI.

The CPC published rules in mid-2013 against "evil" official life and work styles, banning bureaucracy, formalism, hedonism and extravagance, as part of a wider campaign to bring the authorities closer to the people.

Violations by local-level officials seriously harm the public's immediate interests, the CCDI said, and called on citizens to report any untoward behavior.

China's anti-graft battle continues unabated with at least nine anti-corruption officials removed from their posts or punished in November, including Fang Keyou. It was announced Tuesday that Fang, the former deputy chief of Anhui Provincial discipline inspection team, had been put under investigation over allegations of bribery.

Last year, 1,575 discipline officials were punished, and two senior CCDI inspectors removed from their posts.