Former Chongqing official receives 15-year sentence for bribery

Zheng Hong, a former senior official who worked for the top legislature of Chongqing, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for taking bribes, the Xi'an Intermediate People's Court in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, announced on Monday.

According to the trial, Zheng was fined 5 million yuan ($691,150) as part of the penalty. His illegal gains from bribery and the interest they generated were recovered and turned over to the state treasury.

The court found that from 1998 to 2023, Zheng used his various positions, including as former vice-chairman of the Chongqing Municipal People's Congress, to assist others in business operations and project contracting for illegitimate gains in excess of 33.14 million yuan.

From January 2020 to February 2023, after his retirement, Zheng still used his influence to help others in business operations and court ruling enforcement and accepted more than 17.69 million yuan through his previous positions.

The court found Zheng's bribe amount to be extremely large, warranting punishment in accordance with the law through multiple convictions and penalties. However, his punishment was mitigated due to his truthful confession, repentance and cooperation in returning illicit gains.