Du Yubo, the former vice-minister of education in China, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for accepting bribes exceeding 67 million yuan ($9.46 million). The verdict was delivered by the Linfen Intermediate People’s Court in Shanxi province on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. In addition to the prison term, Du was fined 6 million yuan, and his illicit gains, along with related interest, were ordered to be confiscated. The court highlighted that the bribery amount was ‘extremely large,’ justifying severe punishment. However, leniency was granted due to Du’s voluntary disclosure of previously unknown bribes, his confession, and his active efforts to return the illegal proceeds. Du, 70, a native of Hebei province, began his career in 1974 and joined the Communist Party of China in 1975. He held various significant positions, including vice-president of Beijing Institute of Technology and vice-minister of education, which he used to facilitate private college establishments, project contracts, and enrollment and employment arrangements in exchange for bribes from 2000 to August 2024. Du’s downfall began in September 2024 when he was investigated for severe violations of Party discipline and national laws. He was expelled from the Party in March 2025 and indicted three months later. His hearing in August 2025 was attended by over 30 individuals, including national legislators and political advisers.