Former Jiangxi vice-governor pleads guilty to corruption and embezzlement

Li Yihuang, former vice-governor of East China's Jiangxi province, pleaded guilty to taking bribes, corruption and embezzlement of public funds at a court in Anhui province on Friday.

Prosecutors told Anqing Intermediate People's Court that Li made use of his work positions between 2004 and 2017, including as head of Jiangxi Copper Corporation and vice-governor of Jiangxi, to favor other departments and individuals in return for more than 51 million yuan ($7.3 million) in bribes.

In addition, they said, Li took advantage of his positions to obtain public property worth about 2.7 million yuan from 2011 to 2014.

Prosecutors said Li also used his influence to embezzle more than 140 million yuan in public funds for private use, and engaged in profit-earning activities between 2013 and 2016.

Li was also accused of abusing his power and causing a loss of State assets worth more than 20 million yuan.

Li pleaded guilty to all the charges. The court said its verdict will be announced later.

More than 90 people attended the public hearing, including journalists and legislators.