China has sentenced Li Gang, a former senior anti-corruption inspector, to 15 years in prison for accepting more than 102 million yuan ($14.44 million) in bribes, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Wednesday. Li, who once led the discipline inspection and supervision team within the Chinese Communist Party’s powerful organization department, was also ordered to pay a fine of six million yuan.
According to the ruling cited by CCTV, the Wuhan Intermediate People’s Court said Li’s punishment was reduced because he cooperated with investigators. The court said Li provided information that helped uncover additional corruption cases, confessed to his own misconduct, expressed remorse and returned most of the illicit funds he had taken.
Li’s conviction adds to a long list of senior officials targeted in China’s sweeping anti-corruption campaign, which has ensnared thousands of party members across government, state enterprises and the military. Beijing has increasingly emphasized discipline and loyalty within the party, warning that violations will be met with harsh penalties.
The court noted that the value of the bribes, the duration of the offenses and Li’s senior position warranted a severe sentence despite his cooperation. The case underscores China’s continued focus on prosecuting high-ranking officials accused of abusing their authority for personal gain.
