A former senior official from the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Zhang Xiulong, has received a 13-year prison sentence for his involvement in a bribery scandal. The ruling was issued by the Intermediate People's Court in Changde, Hunan province, following the conviction of Zhang, who once served as the vice-chairman of the standing committee of the People's Congress of Guangxi.

Zhang was found guilty of receiving bribes exceeding 41.19 million yuan, equivalent to approximately $5.61 million. The court revealed that he exploited his positions from 2001 to 2023, including his roles as mayor of both Chongzuo and Guilin in Guangxi, to secure benefits for others related to contracts, business activities, and career advancements.

In determining the sentence, the court highlighted the significant amount of bribes accepted, but also acknowledged mitigating factors such as Zhang’s cooperation with authorities, his acknowledgment of guilt, and the complete restitution of the illicit funds. Alongside the prison term, Zhang was imposed a fine of three million yuan.