Zhang Lebin, former deputy head of the State Administration for Religious Affairs, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and removed from office for "disciplinary violations."
The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) of the CPC said on its website that after investigation it found that Zhang had formed cliques in violation of CPC rules.
Zhang took advantage of his position and influence to seek benefits for others and accepted cash and gifts, perhaps in breach of the Criminal Law.
As a Party cadre, Zhang had "lost his faith and seriously violated the Party's discipline," and did not cease his wrongdoings even after the Party's 18th National Congress in 2012.
The decision to expel Zhang from the CPC and remove him from public office was approved by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council.
His illicit earnings will be confiscated and his case passed on to the the judicial organs, the statement said.
