The Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 15, 2015. The Chinese government has been cracking down on corrupt officials since 2012. A top official at Beijing's intelligence agency is the latest target of a massive probe across all levels of government. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo

The Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 15, 2015. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo

BEIJING, March 30 (UPI) -- China's anti-corruption crackdown has reached the highest levels of government with the investigation of Ma Jian, a former vice minister of state security, who was found to have six mistresses, two sons out of wedlock, and six villas in Beijing.

The New York Times reported Ma was being investigated on suspicion of corruption. The state probe began in January, when Ma was connected to a corruption probe involving a technology conglomerate, according to the BBC.


Prior to becoming the target of state scrutiny, Ma held a senior position at China's Ministry of State Security, a powerful agency that operates intelligence, espionage and counterespionage operations.

Caixin, the Chinese news magazine that first published the investigation details, reported two of Ma's mistresses worked at the state security ministry. Ma had worked at the agency for more than 30 years. His last promotion came in 2006.

Ma has been linked in to a businessman, Guo Wengui, who fled abroad to avoid investigation. The report claims Ma used his position of power to help Guo.

According to China Daily, Guo's wealth was ranked 125th on a list of the wealthiest households in China. His net wealth is estimated to be around $2.5 billion.

Ma, 59, was disqualified as a member of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference on Feb. 25, after an announcement on Jan. 16 he was under investigation for violation of laws, reported China Daily.