Ding Shumiao, a businesswoman in north China's Shanxi Province, was deprived of membership of the 10th Shanxi Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference on January 7.

Ding was removed from the post because she was involved in the corruption case of former minister of railways Liu Zhijun. She is now under investigation for possible violation of laws.

Ding, 56, was born to a poor family in the province. With a sharp business sense and close relationships with many government officials, Ding managed to turn herself into a billionaire.