'Naked official' of Chinese media group

The head of renowned Zhiyin Media Group (ZMG) in central China has been removed from his post after moving family and assets overseas, actions tagging him as a "naked official."

Hu Xunbi, president of ZMG, has been removed from his posts as group president and secretary of the group's Committee of the Communist Party of China in Hubei province.

"Naked officials" or officials whose families have emigrated overseas, are considered a high-risk group for corruption with easy escape to foreign countries. Many of them have transferred large amounts of money overseas and sent families abroad to escape punishment.

A source with the media giant told Xinhua that Hu's daughter "has been pursuing further education in Canada," and that "his wife is there taking care of her."

"But being sacked does not necessarily mean that Hu has violated the law," the source, requesting anonymity, said.

Authorities at the provincial Women's Federation advised Hu bring his family back to China to keep his job, but he refused, according to the source.

The ZMG grew out of Zhiyin, or Soulmate, a famous magazine that deals with love and relationships, based in Wuhan, capital of Hubei. The media behemoth, which currently owns a number of spin-off magazines besides Zhiyin, is planning on going public.

Hu's removal came only one month after Zhu Jiajun, deputy General Manager of ZMG, was detained on suspicion of duty encroachment.

China has ferreted out several "naked officials" amid a tightened crackdown.

In July, south China's Guangdong Province announced that the local government has uncovered 2,190 "naked officials," including 22 who were formerly in senior positions.

The selection and appointment regulations issued in January by the CPC said naked officials will not be considered for promotion.