China questions officials linked to ex-strongman in graft probe-sources

Then China's Public Security Minister Zhou Yongkang reacts as he attends the Hebei delegation discussion sessions at the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing October 16, 2007. REUTERS/Jason Lee

BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese investigators have questioned more than a dozen senior officials, including the country's top prosecutor, about links to retired domestic security chief Zhou Yongkang, who is the subject of a corruption probe, sources said.

Zhou, 71, is the most senior Chinese politician to be ensnared in a graft scandal since the Communist Party swept to power in 1949. Three sources, with ties to the leadership, said more than a dozen officials of ranks equivalent to a cabinet minister or vice minister have been questioned since last year in connection with the case.