China probes rampant graft in funeral homes and services

14/8/2024 13:43

        China has uncovered widespread corruption in its funeral services industry, state media said on Wednesday, with offences such as illegal fees and cemeteries committed by long-time managers and officials of funeral homes.
        
        Just last week a Chinese company was caught up in a scandal over the illegal harvesting, theft and resale of thousands of corpses, some from funeral homes, after a report by state-backed outlet the Paper went viral on social media.
        
        The state-run China Daily said on Wednesday, investigations by disciplinary authorities across the provinces of Anhui, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin, Liaoning, Sichuan and Yunnan have led to numerous accusations of violations by employees of funeral parlours and similar bodies.
        
        It added, dozens of cases have emerged since investigations started at the beginning of the year and many of those targeted have extensive industry experience.
        
        Graft campaigns in Anhui, Liaoning and Jilin exposed funeral parlours charging illegal fees, along with illegal construction and operation of cemeteries and staff corruption, said the Global Times, a mouthpiece of the ruling Communist Party.