Former work safety regulator stands trial for corruption

BEIJING -- The graft trial of Yang Dongliang, former head of the State Administration of Work Safety, began Thursday in Beijing.

Yang stands accused of accepting bribes and embezzling public funds.

The prosecution allege that Yang took advantage of his various posts such as Tianjin vice mayor and head of the State Administration of Work Safety during the 2002-2015 period to seek undue benefits for others and accepted bribes.

Yang was indicted as having accepted bribes worth over 28 million yuan ($4 million).

Moreover, Yang allegedly kept real estate worth 270,800 yuan bought with public money in 1999 as his own, according to the indictment.

Yang pleaded guilty and expressed regret for his crime.

The ruling will be announced at a later date.