Former Justice Vice-Minister Sentenced for Bribery

Former vice-minister of justice, Liu Zhiqiang, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison. He was also ordered to pay a fine of 3 million yuan, equivalent to approximately $418,122. The sentence was handed down by a court in Anhui province.

The court's ruling also stipulated that Liu's illegally obtained assets and any associated profits would be transferred to the State treasury. The Wuhu Intermediate People's Court delivered the verdict.

The court determined that Liu had exploited his positions to benefit others. From 2007 to April 2024, he held roles including head of the international cooperation division within the Ministry of Public Security and deputy head of the Ministry of Justice. He used these positions to assist individuals in areas such as business operations, promotions, project contracts, and job advancements. In exchange for these favors, he accepted bribes totaling over 42.45 million yuan.

The court stated that Liu's actions constituted the crime of bribe taking, and the amount of the bribes was "extremely large." However, the court showed leniency in sentencing. This was due to his confession, his voluntary disclosure of previously unknown bribes, and his active return of the illicit gains.

Public records indicate that Liu, a 62-year-old native of Shandong province, began his career in 1984 and joined the Communist Party of China in 1986. He spent several decades working for the Ministry of Public Security. In 2012, he was appointed vice-governor of the Qinghai provincial government and head of the provincial public security department. In January 2016, he became the deputy head of the Ministry of Justice.

Liu was placed under investigation in April 2024 and subsequently expelled from the Party in October of the same year. In February, he was formally charged with bribery. The court held a public hearing of his case in May.