BEIJING -- China has punished 415 people in major corruption investigations into the real estate sector this year, according to the Ministry of Construction.

Sixty-eight percent of the 415 were from government organs, the remainder were from private enterprises, said the ministry.

Wang Guangtao, Minister of Construction, said that collusion between government officials and business people and officials abusing their power by accepting bribes were serious problems in the real estate sector.

But Wang did not provide further details about the 415 people who have been dealt with.

Wang said his ministry had made dealing with official-businessman collusion and abuse of power in the real estate sector top priorities this year.

Activities that damage the environment will also be dealt with harshly, Wang said.