Top Chinese Official Sentenced to Death for Taking $36 Million in Bribes

China has sentenced a former top political adviser, Han Yong, to death with a two-year reprieve for accepting massive bribes.

Han Yong, who once held high-ranking positions in Shaanxi Province and at the national level, was found guilty of taking more than 261 million yuan (around 36.3 million U.S. dollars) in bribes over a 30-year period.

He served as the chairperson of the Shaanxi Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and as vice director of a major national CPPCC committee.

The court ruled that the crimes were extremely serious, causing significant damage to the integrity of the government. Although the death sentence was issued, the two-year reprieve means it could be reduced to life in prison if Han shows good behavior.