Zhou Liangluo, 49, former head of the Haidian District, allegedly abused his power to profit himself and others and also took a "huge" unspecified amount in bribes while serving as a senior CPC and government official in the Chaoyang and Haidian districts, said a statement issued by the CPC Beijing Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection.

"He has been morally degenerate and led a corrupt life,... which undermined public confidence and political influence," the Beijing Daily reported Thursday, citing the statement.

"He should be punished severely."

Zhou's case had been transferred to judicial authorities for investigation, it said.

Zhou, who joined the CPC in October 1981, served in CPC and government posts in the city's Chaoyang and Haidian districts from December 1993 till April this year.

He became head of the Haidian District in November 2002 and stepped down in late April this year.

The disciplinary watchdog began investigating him in early April for "severe violations of Party discipline", according to the statement.