China's Ministry of Public Security has issued a wanted list for eight foremen involved in the forced labor scandal in north Shanxi Province.

The eight, Chen Zhiming, Zhou Qiusheng, Zhang Zhenjiang, Yao Haitao, Ke Changjiang, Ke Changfu, Wang Ziguo and Wang Zihong, were suspected of beating and forcing enslaved people to work in brick kilns in Shanxi.

A reward of 10,000 yuan (US$1,300) is on offer to anyone who pass on information that can contribute to the arrest of a suspect, according to the ministry.

On June 16, the ministry issued a class A warrant for Heng Tinghan, a foreman in a brick kiln in Shanxi and he was captured in that very evening.

The forced labor scandal in Shanxi made headlines all over China in early June, sparking outrage among the public and arousing great concern from top leaders. The workers were forced to work long hours without payment in brickyards, mines and other small works.

Until last Friday, a total of 359 people, including 12 children, have been rescued from illegal brick kilns in the province, according to an investigation group.

(Xinhua News Agency June 26, 2007)