Former Guangxi official sentenced to life for bribery

Zhou Jiabin, former deputy director of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, was sentenced to life in prison on Monday for taking more than 198 million yuan ($29.1 million) in bribes.

Zhou was also deprived of political rights for life, and all his personal assets were confiscated, according to a ruling by the Changde Intermediate People's Court in Hunan province. In addition, his illicit gains and related proceeds have been ordered turned over to the state treasury, while outstanding illegal assets will continue to be recovered.

The court found that between 2009 and 2024, Zhou used his positions in Guangxi, including as Party secretary of Guilin, to seek benefits for individuals and organizations in project contracting, fund allocation and personnel appointments. In return, he accepted bribes totaling more than 198 million yuan.

The court said Zhou's conduct constituted the crime of bribery and warranted severe punishment because the amount involved was "extremely large" and caused significant losses to national and public interests.

However, it said he received a lenient sentence after providing major assistance to investigators, truthfully confessing his crimes, voluntarily disclosing bribery offenses previously unknown to authorities, showing remorse and returning most of his illicit gains.

Zhou's case was publicly heard on March 26, when he pleaded guilty to the charges. Forty representatives attended the trial.