China reveals mountain of bribes seized from fallen Communist Party boss Zhao Zhengyong
- Anti-graft watchdog says millions in cash, property and stocks were recovered from Zhao, the former party chief of Shaanxi
- Disclosure of landmark sum meant to ease public anger over corruption, observer says
State news agency Xinhua reported on Tuesday that the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the country’s top anti-graft agency, also seized about 100 million yuan in property and stocks held by Zhao.
Zhao went on trial in the northern municipality of Tianjin on Monday accused of “taking advantage of his position to accept bribes from contractors and people who sought job promotions, personnel assignment and [favours] in the management of company business”, according to the court.
The CCDI said Zhao confessed to his “crimes” in court and a verdict would be announced at a later date.
Beijing Youth Daily reported that Zhao was aided by his wife, Sun Jianhui, in accepting the bribes, the biggest amount in a corruption case since President Xi Jinping came to power in 2012.
“Sun Jianhui … always gave instructions to Zhao’s subordinates and took a cut in many of the energy and property development deals in Shaanxi province,” the report said.