Former Liaoning politcal advisor begins trial for accepting bribes of $25 million

The Intermediate People's Court of Chengde in Hebei province publicly held the first trial of Sun Yuanliang, a former political advisor of Liaoning province, on Thursday. Sun was accused of accepting bribes exceeding 180 million yuan ($25 million).

According to CCTV news, the indictment brought by the People's Procuratorate of Chengde showed that Sun, former deputy Party chief and vice-chairman of the Liaoning Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, allegedly used his positions as mayor and Party chief of Liaoyang, and political advisor of Liaoning province to assist to individuals and relevant entities in matters such as land requisition, obtaining loans, and job adjustments.

Sun was accused of directly or through his relatives, illegally accepting assets totaling over 159 million yuan. He also allegedly exploited his positions as a political advisor and other governmental roles before retirement to offer help to related companies in their business operations. He is said to have directly or through his son illegally accepted assets totaling over 28.16 million yuan.

The procuratorial organ charged Sun with the crimes of bribery and corruption by utilizing his influence.

During the trial, the procuratorial organ presented relevant evidence, and Sun and his defense counsel cross-examined the evidence. Both the prosecution and defense presented their arguments, and Sun made a final statement in court, expressing remorse and pleading guilty.

At the end of the trial, the court adjourned and announced that the judgment would be delivered at a later date.