More than 160,000 people were punished in China for disciplinary violations last year, according to official figures released Wednesday.

Disciplinary inspectors launched investigations into more than 155,000 cases last year based on tips from the public. More than 153,000 cases have been concluded, resulting in punishments being handed down for 160,718 people.

The figures were released at a press conference held by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection under the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Ministry of Supervision.

The investigations led to the successful recovery of 7.83 billion yuan ($1.24 billion) in direct economic losses resulting from the violations.

Authorities investigated 427 cases concerning illegal land expropriation, with 437 people held accountable for their involvement, according to the figures.

Last year also saw investigations into more than 11,000 food safety cases and around 5,000 medication safety cases.

Authorities uncovered 340 cases involving disciplinary violations or illegalities while inspecting low-income housing projects, holding 382 people accountable for their involvement, according to the figures.

The figures also showed that 102 people, including seven prefecture-level officials and 42 county-level officials, were punished for violating CPC or administrative discipline following investigations into six major production safety accidents.

Of the 102 people, 33 were later transferred to judicial organs for their suspected involvement in criminal activity.

Officials at the press conference said many people have contributed to counter-corruption efforts by providing clues and other information.

The officials encouraged more people to join in fighting corruption by offering tips and engaging in whistle blowing.

(Xinhua News Agency January 9, 2013)