Hao Hongjun, a former senior municipal political advisor in Dalian, Liaoning province, was sentenced to life imprisonment for taking bribes on Thursday by the Intermediate People's Court of Handan in Hebei province.

Hao was also deprived of political rights for life and had all his personal assets confiscated. The property and gains obtained from bribery were recovered according to law and handed over to the state Treasury.

During the trial, it is revealed that from 2006 to 2023, Hao took advantage of his various positions to assist various entities and individuals in project contracting and job promotions. In exchange, he accepted money and valuables amounting to more than 74.98 million yuan ($10.27 million).

The court concluded that Hao's actions constituted the crime of bribery. Given the exceptionally large amount of bribes involved and his abuse of power for personal gain and the promotion of others, there were circumstances of heavier punishment.

However, considering his confession upon arrest, full disclosure of his crimes, voluntary surrender of most of the illicit gains, and the recovery of all proceeds of corruption, Hao was given a mitigated punishment according to the law.