Disgraced housing official finally arrested

The Henan provincial prosecutor's office approved the arrest on Sunday of Zhai Zhenfeng, a former housing administration official in the provincial capital Zhengzhou's Erqi district, for taking advantage of his powers to enrich himself and his family, the People's Daily reported.

An investigation found the family owned as many as 31 houses and still owns 24, none of which are government subsidized housing as was previously reported. Most properties are registered in the name of a company operated by Zhai's wife, Li Shuping.

It was also revealed for the first time why Zhai was fired and kicked out of the Party more than a year ago.

The city commission for discipline inspection has finally reported that Zhai embezzled 30 million yuan ($4.82 million) in public funds and admitted to taking 70,000 yuan in bribes when he was director of the bureau.

All four members of Zhai's family, including his wife, son and daughter, have had their illegally obtained second hukou, or household registration permit, canceled and the police officer in the province's city of Xiangcheng who helped them get the permits is in criminal custody.

Zhai is also accused of committing fraud to obtain a permit to have a second child; his daughter, who was born in 1991. Local authorities are also investigating the officials who issued the permit giving him the right to have a second child.