1st Ld-Writethru: Top procuratorate investigates Sun Zhengcai

BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) of China announced on Monday that it has started an investigation into Sun Zhengcai, former secretary of Chongqing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Sun, also a former member of the Political Bureau of the 18th CPC Central Committee, was put under investigation on suspicion of accepting bribes.

The SPP has taken "coercive measures" against Sun, which may include summons by force, bail and detention. Further investigation is under way.

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) of the CPC launched an investigation into Sun for "serious discipline violation" in July.

According to a statement by the CCDI, Sun betrayed Party principles and ignored the Party code of conduct and rules.

He was found to have seriously violated the CPC's eight-point code on frugality and maintaining close ties with the masses, and he sought ostentation and privileges.

In addition, Sun was held accountable for nepotism and seeking benefits in selecting officials. He was found to have leaked confidential Party information and seriously breached Party rules on integrity.

He took advantage of his power and influence to seek benefits for others, accepted a "huge amount" of money and gifts in return, sought substantial benefits for his relatives' businesses and accepted valuable gifts.

Sun was also accused of bureaucracy and sloth in work, as well as degradation and the trade of power for sex.

In September, Sun was expelled from the Party and dismissed from public office. Enditem