In a significant demonstration of China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, a former senior investigator from the nation’s top disciplinary watchdog has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for accepting bribes exceeding 102 million yuan ($14.44 million). The Wuhan Intermediate People’s Court delivered the verdict on Tuesday against Li Gang, a 60-year-old former official who had held prominent positions in both Sichuan and Yunnan provinces.
The court determined that between 1998 and June 2024, Li exploited his authoritative roles—including serving as deputy mayor of Sichuan and heading the organization department of Yunnan—to illicitly benefit various individuals and organizations. His corrupt activities encompassed business operations, project contracting, land transfers, and personnel promotions in exchange for substantial financial gains.
Despite the severity of the crimes, which the court noted caused ‘enormous losses to the country and its citizens,’ the sentence reflected some leniency considerations. The judicial authority acknowledged Li’s cooperation in exposing other illegal activities, his confession after apprehension, voluntary disclosure of previously unknown bribery facts, and active restitution efforts. Additionally, the court imposed a 6 million yuan fine and ordered the confiscation of all illicit assets to be transferred to the state treasury.
Li’s career trajectory, which began in 1982 and included Communist Party membership since 1986, culminated in his September 2024 investigation while serving as head of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection team stationed at the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee. His subsequent expulsion from the Party and dismissal from public office occurred in April, followed by formal indictment three months later.
The September 18th public hearing attracted significant attention, with over twenty attendees including national lawmakers and political advisers, underscoring the case’s importance within China’s comprehensive anti-graft initiative.