Former CPC publicity official sentenced to 14 years and fined 4m yuan for bribery

Zhang Jianchun, the former deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for bribery and fined 4 million yuan ($560,000), according to the Langfang Intermediate People's Court in Hebei province on Tuesday.

The court found that between 2004 and 2024, Zhang exploited his various positions, including deputy head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and deputy head of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee.

He used the convenience and authority conferred by these roles to assist certain organizations and individuals with project advancement, business contracts, job placements, and position adjustments. In return, he directly or indirectly received money and valuables from these entities, totaling 55.06 million yuan.

The court ordered the confiscation of the bribes and their proceeds, which will be turned over to the State treasury.

The court determined that Zhang's actions constituted the crime of bribery, with the amount involved being particularly large, warranting legal punishment. However, because Zhang admitted his guilt, disclosed additional details of his bribery activities, and returned his illicit gains, all of which have been fully recovered, he was eligible for a lenient sentence, the court said.

Zhang served as the deputy head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee from 2020 to 2024.

In July 2024, he was placed under investigation for suspected serious violations of the Party's disciplines and national laws. In December that year, he was expelled from the Party and removed from public office.