Several officials in a Central China county have been removed from their posts after being caught gambling in a store when they were on duty, Xinhua News Agency reported on April 15.

The sacked officials include Gao Zhuanjun, Party chief of the audit bureau of Mianchi county, in Henan province; and Zeng Hui, deputy chief of the county's development and reform commission.

Police caught the officials gambling in a cigarette and wine store on the afternoon of April 10, according to the report. The report did not specify how many officials were involved.

Gambling is punishable by up to three years' imprisonment under to Chinese law.