The public security bureau in Lufeng, Guangdong province, is urging residents of Wukan village to actively cooperate with a government investigation into suspected corruption involving village head Lin Zulian.

Lin, 72, is suspected of taking bribes and misusing power for personal gain, the bureau said in a statement published on Saturday.

Lin was held by police for further investigation. The intermediate people's procuratorate of Lufeng, under the administration of Shanwei, formally launched the investigation on Friday.

Lin has served as Party chief and director of the administrative committee of Wukan.

Dozens of police cars were seen arriving in Wukan, a coastal fishing village in eastern Guangdong province

The police did not provide details about the case, saying only that it had been handed over to the procuratorate for investigation.

"Villagers should stay calm and not be used by a handful of people who want to affect the investigation," the police said in a public letter to residents. "The police will spare no effort to ensure the stability and production of the village. And those who violate laws and relevant regulations will be punished."

Lin was at the center of a previous controversy in 2011 when the village head at the time was accused of financing violations, land grabs and corruption.

Villagers rallied for more than four months in protest. The rallies finally ended with an agreement made in face-to-face talks between villagers and senior Guangdong provincial officials in 2012.

Lin rose to prominence as new leadership was sought. He became village head himself and was re-elected in 2014.