BEIJING - Nur Bekri, former head of the National Energy Administration, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and dismissed from public office over serious violations of Party discipline and laws including taking bribes, the top anti-graft body announced Saturday.

The CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and the National Supervisory Commission said in a statement that they had conducted an investigation into Nur Bekri, also former deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission.

The investigation found that Nur Bekri took advantage of his positions to help others in promotions, operation of enterprises, and exploitation of mineral resources. He was also found to have taken bribes himself or through relatives.

Other offenses included living an extravagant life style and trading power for sex.

Nur Bekri has severely violated the Party discipline and is suspected of taking bribes, the statement said, adding that he showed no signs of restraint even after the 18th CPC National Congress.

The case is serious in nature and has a bad influence, and he should be harshly punished, the statement said.

His illicit gains have been confiscated, and his suspected crimes will be transfered to the procuratorate for further examination and prosecution.