A former senior Chinese official has been sentenced to death after being found guilty of one of the largest corruption cases in recent years, involving bribes totaling more than 2.21 billion yuan (approximately €284 million).

Chinese authorities announced that Yang Yulin, the former deputy director of the Nanjing Economic and Technological Development Zone, was convicted by the Changzhou Intermediate People’s Court of multiple serious offences, including bribery, embezzlement, misappropriation of public funds, abuse of power and money laundering.

Corruption Spanning Three Decades

According to the court’s ruling, Yang abused his position between 1993 and 2023, illegally accepting money and assets worth more than 2.21 billion yuan in exchange for providing assistance to companies in relation to infrastructure projects, business operations, land concessions and financing.

The court ruled that the scale of the crimes, the exceptionally large financial gains obtained, and the serious damage caused to the public interest justified the imposition of the maximum penalty. It also ordered the confiscation of all of Yang’s personal assets, while authorities will continue efforts to recover the illicit proceeds.

Former Official Expresses Remorse in Court

During the hearing, the former official expressed regret over his actions and requested leniency. However, the court ruled that the seriousness of the case did not justify a reduced sentence.

The public hearings of the trial were held in March and April and were attended by dozens of members of the public.

Anti-Corruption Campaign Remains a Priority

The case forms part of China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign launched by President Xi Jinping, aimed at combating economic crimes and prosecuting high-ranking officials within the state apparatus.

In recent years, several officials have received particularly severe punishments for corruption-related offences, with the death penalty imposed in some cases.