Former Henan official pleads guilty to taking bribes to assist companies

Jin Suidong, a former senior political adviser, has pleaded guilty to accepting bribes of more than 40 million yuan ($5.8 million), the Jinan Intermediate People's Court in Shandong province announced on Thursday.

The court will release the verdict in the trial of Jin, who is the former vice-chairman of the Henan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, at a later date.

According to the court, Jin, 65, took advantage of his position to help companies and individuals increase the permitted number of buildings on a piece of land to make more profits. He also used his position to help others with job promotions. Jin accepted huge bribes amounting to 44.3 million yuan, which were paid in either cash or properties, the court said.