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The trial of Bo Xilai, the disgraced Chinese politician once tipped for the highest levels of power, has begun, BBC reported. 

Mr Bo, who disappeared from public view almost 18 months ago, is charged with bribery, corruption and abuse of power.

Formerly the Communist Party leader in Chongqing, he has since been stripped of official roles in a scandal that rocked the Chinese leadership.

According to the court's microblog, the indictment has been read and the prosecution is now making its case.

Two years ago the high-flying Mr Bo, 64, was seen as a candidate for promotion to the Politburo Standing Committee, China's seven-member top decision-making body.

But in February 2012, as China prepared for its once-in-a-decade leadership handover, questions emerged over the death of a British businessman, Neil Heywood.

Mr Bo's wife, Gu Kailai, has since been convicted of Mr Heywood's murder. Mr Bo faces multiple charges and is widely expected to be found guilty.

His downfall was seen as the biggest political shake-up to hit China's ruling elite in decades.