BEIJING - The People's Supreme Procuratorate (SPP) has opened a case to investigate Tan Xiwei, a former senior legislator in Chongqing Municipality suspected of taking bribes, Xinhua learned on Tuesday.

The 60-year-old Tan was former deputy director of Chongqing Municipal People's Congress Standing Committee. He previously served as vice mayor of Chongqing and Party chief of Nan'an District of Chongqing.

The SPP said "compulsory measures" have been taken against Tan, adding that the case is still under investigation, without giving further details.

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) of the Communist Party of China (CPC) said earlier Tuesday that Tan had been expelled from office and the Communist Party of China (CPC) for allegedly taking bribes.

He is suspected of taking a large amount in bribes by himself or through his wife and taking advantage of his position to seek benefits for others, the CCDI said in a statement.

The CCDI has reviewed the case, saying that Tan's acts seriously violated discipline and laws, and he is suspected of committing crimes.

Tan was expelled from office and the CPC in accordance with the CPC's discipline regulations and with approval from the CPC Central Committee, the CCDI said.

The CCDI announced in May that Tan was being investigated for suspected serious violations of discipline and laws.