Latest: Corruption and Money Laundering.

China to prosecute former statistics bureau chief for corruption.

Wang Baoan attends a news conference in Beijing
, China, in this January 13, 2010. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo

China will prosecute the former head of its statistics bureau, the country's anti-corruption watchdog said on Friday, accusing him of serious violations of discipline, including extravagance, abuse of power and selling power for sex.

President Xi Jinping has conducted a sweeping campaign to root out deeply ingrained corruption since assuming office more than three years ago, warning that the problem is so bad it could affect the ruling Communist Party's grip on power.

The crackdown has targeted a broad swathe of high-ranking officials, from members of the military to former judges and various ministry chiefs, as well as numerous bosses of state-owned companies.

Wang Baoan, the former chief of China's National Bureau of Statistics, lacked political faith, had frequently stayed at expensive hotels, abused his position to get benefits for relatives, and had accepted gifts, property and bribes, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) said.

Wang, 52, also engaged in "superstitious activities", "exchanged power for sex", and was "morally bankrupt", the agency said in a statement on its website.

The CCDI announced the investigation of Wang in January. The latest move expelling him from the party and handing his case over to legal authorities indicates he will face prosecution.

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