Former head of statistics bureau stands trial for graft

Wang Baoan, former head of the National Bureau of Statistics, stood trial Thursday for accepting bribes.

Prosecutors accused Wang of taking advantage of his positions to secure projects, contracts or promotions for others. In addition, between 1994 and 2016 he was alleged to have accepted money and valuables worth more than 154 million yuan (22.3 million U.S. dollars) either personally or through his relatives.

The case was heard by the Intermediate People's Court of Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province, north China.

Wang confessed during the trial, according to the court. The verdict will be announced at another date.

The CPC discipline inspection agency announced in August 2016 that Wang had been expelled from the CPC and dismissed from public office following a corruption investigation.