In February 2011 Liu Zhijun was placed under investigation for alleged "severe violations of discipline" by the Chinese Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI). According to the CCDI and the Chinese Ministry of Supervision, the reason for the investigation was that Liu was suspected of abusing his position to receive very large bribes. Investigators began to act after concluding that Liu was planning to use his illegal fortune in order to bribe his way into the Communist Party Central Committee, and eventually into the Politburo. Shortly following the announcement of the investigation, Liu was dismissed from his position as party chief of the ministry on 12 February. The allegations of corruption against him led to his dismissal as Minister on 25 February 2011.