Then China's Public Security Minister Zhou Yongkang reacts as he attends the Hebei delegation discussion sessions at the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing in this October 16, 2007 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]

Senior figures named by authorities in campaign against corruption, misconduct

The CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the country's top anti-graft agency, conducts initial investigations of officials suspected of violating Party rules. Once there is sufficient evidence of wrongdoing, such as accepting bribes and abusing power, suspects are directed to judicial departments for prosecution.

Senior officials, including four State leaders, named in the crackdown include (name, position held, status of case):

. Zhou Yongkang, security chief, investigated by Supreme People's Procuratorate in December

. Ling Jihua, minister of United Front Work Department of CPC Central Committee, investigated by CCDI in December

. Xu Caihou, vice-chairman of People's Liberation Army, investigated by military prosecuting department in October

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