Report: Chinese anti-corruption official goes on trial for alleged corruption

A corruption-fighting official in a central Chinese city has gone on trial for allegedly taking millions in bribes, a state news agency said Wednesday.

Xinhua News Agency said the former head of the Communist Party's discipline inspection commission in Chenzhou in Hunan province is accused of taking 31.52 million yuan (US$4.5 million; euro2.8 million) in bribes between 1997 and 2006.

Zeng Jinchun also could not account for another 9.6 million yuan (US$1.4 million; euro880,000) and an "immense" amount of property, Xinhua said.

The official, along with his wife, son and daughter, allegedly took bribes from 45 people who wanted construction contracts, mine contracts, career promotions and help in resolving disputes, Xinhua said.

Corruption is a major problem in China. In December, a Web site started by China's newly created anti-corruption bureau crashed after barely a day because too many visitors tried to log on to register complaints.

Nearly 2,000 local government officials were either disciplined or charged with crimes last year, Xinhua reported in late December, citing the Communist Party's organization department.