3 former high-level officials charged in bribes

Prosecutors have charged three former vice-ministerial officials for taking huge bribes, one of them the brother of Ling Jihua, a corrupt former State-level leader, the top procuratorate announced on Sunday.

Ling Zhengce, former vice - chairman of the Shanxi Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, was found to be taking bribes either in cash or other properties, according to the Supreme People's Procuratorate. No details on the amount were released.

According to the indictment, when Ling Zhengce was serving as deputy director, and then director, of the Shanxi Provincial Development and Reform Commission and vice chairman of the local advisory body, he made use of his position and influence to help others make illegal gains.