He wrote a letter containing false accusations of Li's misbehaviors, including embezzlement, taking bribes and abusing power to help his children find jobs. He sent the letter, as if it was written by an anonymous person, to local police, the procuratorate, the court and himself.

He then put pressure on the local procuratorate, police, disciplinary inspection department and other relevant departments to investigate Li's case.

After the district procuratorate started an investigation on Li, letters that Li wrote to report Zhang's misbehaviors were found at Li's home. Chief prosecutor Wang then handed the letters over to Zhang.

In September 2007, Li was arrested and detained at Fuyang detention house. Zhang then interrogated Li about his alleged corruption, and forced Li to confess after Zhang threatened his family.

On March 13, 2008, after more than five months in the detention house, Li died at the prison hospital. The official report said he hanged himself. Li's family said both of Li's eyes had become blind before he died, according to local media reports.

The unnatural death of Li gained attention from the public and media.

In July 2008, the Anhui provincial procuratorate decided to investigate the case, and Zhang was prosecuted in December 2008. The Wuhu Intermediate People's Court opened the court session last November.

Thirteen officials serving at district and town levels have been suspended since July for allegedly having bribed Zhang for promotions between 2001 and 2008.