Handcuffs Photo: CFP

The Supreme People's Procuratorate has decided to arrest Zhong Ziran, the former head of China Geological Survey affiliated with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), on suspicion of bribery and intentional disclosure of state secrets, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Tuesday. 

Zhong, who was also a member of the leading Party members' group of the MNR, was investigated by the National Commission of Supervision and has been transferred to the procuratorial organ for examination and prosecution. The case is still being investigated.

Zhong was expelled from the Communist Party of China over serious violations of discipline and law, according to reports last month. 

The subsequent investigation by the anti-graft body found that Zhong had lost his ideals and convictions. He also refused to comply with the investigation. 

He engaged in superstitious activities, as well as withholding information concerning himself and his wrongdoings. He also sought benefit for others in selection of officials and employees, and accepted gifts and money in return, according to Xinhua.

Zhong abused his power to profit from geological surveys and mineral exploration, and sought benefit for others in terms of project contracts, taking large bribes in return. He also violated national confidentiality regulations by deliberately leaking state secrets. 

Zhong's illicit gains have been confiscated and transferred to the procuratorial authorities. 

Zhong became the head and Party secretary of the China Geological Survey in July 2014, before stepping down in 2022. The probe into his activities began in January this year.