China to investigate energy-related crimes

<p><font face="Arial">BEIJING  -- China will launch a special investigation of public servants involved in energy and environment-related cases, it was announced at a conference held by the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) here on Wednesday.</font></p><p style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><font face="Arial">The 18-month special investigation, starting this month, will target public servants' dereliction of duty involving criminal acts that harmed energy resources and biological environment.</font></p><p style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><font face="Arial">It will also investigate those who helped criminals evade punishment arising from such instances.</font></p><p style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><font face="Arial">Further, it will investigate public servants who illegally approved land acquisitions or use, or who illegally transferred land ownership at below-market prices.</font></p><p style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><font face="Arial">The investigation will probe dereliction of duty involving crimes leading to serious losses of public property including land, coal, forests, water, electricity and roads, according to the conference.</font></p><p style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><font face="Arial">It will also investigate malfeasance involving crimes related to fatal work accidents.</font></p><p style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><font face="Arial">From 2004 to 2007, SPP statistics showed, 3,822 functionaries were punished for dereliction of duty involving crimes that harmed energy resources or the biological environment.</font></p><p><font face="Arial">From 2006 to 2007, the figures also showed, 1,193 functionaries were penalized for dereliction of duty involving crimes related to fatal work accidents.</font></p></div>