A high-profile corruption case has come to a close in China, as Wang Yong, a former senior official, was handed a suspended death sentence over a massive bribery scandal involving more than $37 million.
The Chenzhou Intermediate People’s Court in Hunan province ruled that Wang, once the vice-chairman of the Xizang autonomous region government, accepted bribes totaling over 271 million yuan (approximately $37.8 million). He was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve, a penalty that could later be reduced to life imprisonment if he demonstrates good behavior during the suspension period.
Along with the sentence, Wang was permanently stripped of his political rights, and all his personal property was confiscated. Authorities confirmed that his illicit earnings will be transferred to the state treasury.
According to the court, Wang’s offenses took place over a 16-year period from 2007 to 2023, during which he exploited various influential roles to benefit certain companies and individuals in matters such as project approvals and contracts. His positions included director of the policy and regulations department of the Civil Aviation Administration of China Southwest Regional Administration, Party secretary and director of the Civil Aviation Safety Supervision Bureau of Guizhou province, and chairman of Guizhou Airport Group.
The court described his crimes as “extremely severe,” emphasizing the enormous sum of bribes involved and the significant harm caused to national interests and public trust.
Despite the gravity of the offenses, Wang received a lighter sentence due to his full confession, cooperation with investigators, and the complete recovery of the illicit funds.
Wang’s trial was held publicly on May 15, with over 40 observers present. During the hearing, prosecutors presented evidence, and Wang admitted his wrongdoing and expressed remorse.
In China’s legal system, a suspended death sentence often results in life imprisonment after two years if no additional crimes are committed, with the possibility of further reductions for good conduct.
