Chinese prosecutors target bribers in graft fight

The Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) has told prosecutors across the country to keep an intensive crackdown on people engaged in bribery.

The campaign will target repeat offenders and cases that involve a large number of bribers, large amounts of money and result in grave consequences, according to a statement released on Thursday after a meeting for the anti-graft offices under various prosecuting organs.

SPP figures show that some 5,676 people were prosecuted for bribery last year, accounting for 31.4 percent of total suspects involved in bribery cases and up 17.3 percent year on year.

"Without severely punishing bribers, rampant corruption won't be effectively stemmed. Prosecutors must be fully aware of the social damage of bribery, and the current trend of only paying attention to those receiving bribes should be changed," the statement said.

The SPP called for a firm hand in dealing with both bribers and their targets.