Former Shanxi governor gets suspended death sentence
SingTao · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
The Intermediate People's Court of Xinyang in Henan publicly delivered its first-instance verdict on Tuesday, sentencing former Shanxi deputy party secretary and governor Jin Xiangjun (金湘軍) to death with a two-year reprieve for bribery, along with lifelong deprivation of political rights and confiscation of all personal assets. The court also ordered the bribe proceeds and related gains already recovered to be turned over to the state treasury, with any shortfall to be pursued further. Judges found that Jin used positions in Guangxi, Tianjin and Shanxi between the first half of 2004 and April 2025 to help companies and individuals in business operations, project contracting and job promotions. The illicit payments he accepted directly or through others totalled more than 148 million yuan, according to the ruling.
Key Points
- The Xinyang court in Henan announced the first-instance judgment on September 8, imposing a suspended death sentence for bribery.
- Jin was also stripped of political rights for life, had all personal assets confiscated, and faces continued recovery of unrecovered illicit gains.
- The court said the bribery spanned from the first half of 2004 to April 2025 across senior posts in Guangxi, Tianjin and Shanxi.
- Authorities said he helped others in corporate operations, engineering contracts and promotions, receiving more than 148 million yuan directly or via intermediaries.
- The court cited attempted elements in some bribery conduct, truthful confession, disclosure of previously unknown facts, remorse and partial recovery as mitigation.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers following mainland official accountability, the case shows that courts continue to impose the harshest suspended capital punishment in major corruption cases involving provincial-level officials. It also underlines how misconduct tied to project approvals, business dealings and personnel decisions can stretch across multiple regions and offices over many years before judgment is handed down.