Former Guangdong Official Pleads Guilty to Accepting Bribes

Chen Jixing, a former vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the Guangdong Provincial People's Congress, pleaded guilty to accepting bribes during his trial at the Guilin Intermediate People's Court in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on Thursday. This makes him the third former vice-chairman of the committee to face trial on similar charges this year.

Prosecutors presented evidence that Chen illegally accepted money and property worth over 278 million yuan ($39.15 million) between 2002 and 2015. He allegedly used his positions as director of the Guangdong Department of Finance, Party secretary of Jiangmen city, and vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the Guangdong Provincial People's Congress to help companies and individuals with real estate projects, land transfers, and economic disputes. In return, he accepted bribes.

Chen's corrupt activities continued even after his retirement. Between 2019 and 2022, he used his former positions to gain over 1.15 million yuan in money and property. He also improperly assisted people with loan approvals, project promotions, subsidy applications, and other matters.

The prosecution requested that Chen be held accountable for accepting bribes and using his influence to accept bribes. Chen expressed remorse and pleaded guilty in his final statement.

Over 40 people attended the trial, including Chen's relatives, deputies to the Guilin People's Congress, members of the local committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, journalists, and members of the public.

This case follows the recent convictions of two other former vice-chairmen of the Guangdong Provincial People's Congress. In late July, Li Chunsheng was sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined 4 million yuan for accepting bribes. Earlier this month, Chen Rugui received a life sentence for taking bribes worth over 108 million yuan ($15 million).