China sentences former city official to death for taking $325m in bribes

A court in eastern China sentenced former Nanjing economic development official Yang Youlin to death after finding him guilty of accepting bribes totaling about $325 million over roughly three decades, according to state-linked reporting.

Along with the bribery conviction, Yang was also found guilty of related offenses including embezzlement, offering bribes, misappropriation of public funds, abuse of power and money laundering. Prosecutors said the bribes were paid in exchange for help with major projects, business operations, land grants and working capital.

The court said Yang illegally accepted property and assets worth more than 2.21 billion yuan (about $325 million) between 1993 and 2023. It also ordered the confiscation of his personal assets and stated authorities would attempt to recover the full amount tied to the bribes.

The case was investigated as part of President Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign, which has targeted officials across multiple levels of government and state-linked industries.

Yang delivered a final statement in court in which he expressed guilt and remorse, and the court said his trial included public hearings in March and April with dozens of people attending.