BEIJING -- Zhang Wenxiong, former head of the Party's publicity department in Hunan province, has been expelled from office and the Communist Party of China (CPC) for serious discipline offenses.

After investigation by the CPC's top anti-graft body, the Central Commission Discipline Inspection (CCDI), Zhang Wenxiong was found to have violated political discipline and did not cooperate with the investigation.

Zhang also violated the Party's policies for thrift, accepting money and violating the Party's organizational discipline by failing to report private matters.

Zhang was also accused of seeking benefits for others, accepting money for personnel decisions, and taking advantage of his post. He also failed to stop his family members from seeking illegal gains through his influence.

Zhang violated the Party's work rules, interfered with disciplinary work and revealed personnel affairs.

He is suspected of the crime of taking bribes.

Upon approval by the CPC Central Committee, the CCDI decided to expel Zhang from office and the Party.

His illegal gains have been confiscated and the case was transferred to judicial organs.