The Chinese authorities say they have launched a corruption investigation against the former head of the oil company Sinopec . Chen Tonghai resigned last June, officially for personal reasons. But state television now reports that Mr Chen took what it described as huge bribes, and abused his position to benefit his mistress. Chinese President Hu Jintao has made tackling rampant corruption one of his top priorities.
“Chen has taken a huge amount of bribes and abused his power to gain inappropriate benefits for his mistress. He led a decadent life, and his behaviour is a severe breach of party disciplines,” the TV report said.