In 2005, there were more than 4,000 cases compared to 221 the previous year for a total of 1.27 billion yuan
Guangzhou (AsiaNews/SCMP) - Guangdong authorities have announced a massive increase in the number of corruption cases handled last year, but have offered no explanation for the surge.
The Guangdong Discipline and Inspection Authority said it uncovered 4,289 cases of corruption last year and punished 327 officials above county level in government and state-owned enterprises.
The number of cases was nearly 20 times the 221 total reported for 2004 and the actions, the report said, prevented the loss of 1.27 billion yuan in state funds.
It said 220 of the cases last year were "mega corruption trials" which involved more than a million yuan each and led to the punishment of 32 senior officials.
Investigators focused on dereliction of duty resulting in serious accidents, nepotism, bribery and gambling by officials. Nearly all of the key cases related to bribery or embezzlement.
Hu Jianchang , former deputy director of the Guangdong Bureau of Work Safety, was sacked after being accused of taking bribes and issuing safety certificates to a Xingning coal mine where 121 miners died in a flood in August. He was arrested but has yet to appear in court.