THE former Xiamen vice-mayor, Lan Fu, was brought before a court yesterday for his alleged involvement in the largest smuggling scandal uncovered in China.
Security was tightened for the first day of Lan's trial at the Xiamen People's Intermediate Court, local media reported.
Main roads close to the court were blocked and all entrances to the court were guarded.
No reporters or members of the public were allowed to attend the hearing.
It was understood that one of the charges related to Lan's alleged acceptance of millions of yuan in bribes for covering up for his associate and alleged partner in crime, Lai Changxing, who was the former chairman of the Yuanhua company.
Local reports said Lan fled to Australia but later turned himself in to authorities.
He was said to be co-operating with investigators and may receive a lighter sentence if convicted.