(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-04-23 23:35

CHANGSHA - A former anti-graft chief in a central Chinese city went on trial at a local court on Wednesday, accused of bribery and being unaccountable for an immense amount of property.

Zeng Jinchun, former head of the Communist Party of China (CPC) discipline inspection commission in Chenzhou, Hunan Province, allegedly took 31.52 million yuan (US$ 4.5 million) worth of bribes between 1997 and 2006, the Changsha Municipal Intermediate People's Court heard.

Zeng, who also served as vice secretary of the CPC Chenzhou municipal committee, was found to be unaccountable for another 9.6 million yuan.

The former official, together with his wife, son and daughter, received bribes from 45 people who sought help for mine contracts, construction bids, career promotion, disputes and other favors from him.

He was arrested in December 2006.

The court said the hearing would last three days due to the complexity of the case and the huge amount of property involved.