Official in NE China gets life sentence for corruption

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-10-15 20:10

SHENYANG: Jiang Runli, vice secretary general of the Fushun city in northeast China's Liaoning Province, was sentenced to life in prison for taking bribes and power abuse, local authorities said on Thursday.

The verdict was handed down by the Intermediate People's Court in Shenyang, Liaoning's capital. Jiang didn't appeal.

The 54-year-old Jiang worked as head of the planning and land resources bureau of Fushun from 2001 to 2006 before assuming the post as the city government's vice secretary general.

The court heard that during that period, she received money and luxuries like watches, jewelry, bags and fur coats totaling 4.7 million yuan ($0.7 million), from more than 80 people. There were another 2.6 million yuan worth of assets she couldn't explain where they came from.

In return, Jiang helped real estate developers to win project biddings or get away from punishments. Her conduct caused to the government an economic loss of more than 50 million yuan ($7.35 million).

Investigation against her was launched in July 2007 and she was arrested in February 2008.

Her personal belongings were confiscated.