China's Communist Party is formally investigating a former domestic security chief over issues of corruption in what may be considered as the biggest case filed against any member of the powerful party.

Zhou Yongkang was placed under investigation by the anti-graft body Central Commission for Discipline Inspection for "serious disciplinary violations," Xinhua reported, a term commonly used to refer corruption.

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According to Xinhua, the decision was made in accordance with party's goal to free the influential body from officials tainted with corruption. No further details were given regarding the case. 

Zhou, 71, is the highest Chinese official and first Pulitburo member to be investigated by the government in an apparent show of power by President Xi Jinping since he assumed office in November 2012. Zhou retired from China's Politburo Standing Committee in late 2012.

He was long-rumored to be under investigation and under detention after officials and individuals close to him were placed under probe. The reports were only confirmed until Tuesday.

New York Times reported in April that Zhou's son, a sister-in-law and his son's mother-in-law have about US$1 billion worth of assets while Zou was still in power, citing public records and value of their companies.

Zhou commanded China's domestic security apparatus, where he oversaw police, prosecutors, judges and intelligence services. He also served in the oil industry and headed the state-run China National Petroleum Corporation.

In September 2013, Communist Party's former rising star Bo Xilai was sentenced to life imprisonment over cases that invloved bribe-taking, embezzlement of public funds, and abuse of power.

All the cases filed against Bo by the government were proven which surprised critics on what they said was a strong verdict from the Chinese court.

President Xi's tenure as China's leader has proved his political influence, taking down low- and high-profile state officials during his short period of less than two years.  

TagsSecurity Chief, Politburo Standing Committee, Zhou Yongkang