Life imprisonment for ex-Heilongjiang official in bribery, embezzlement case

Li Xiangang, a former Party group member and deputy director of the Standing Committee of the Heilongjiang Provincial People's Congress, was sentenced to life imprisonment for taking bribes and embezzlement, according to a report by China Central Television on Monday.

The court also deprived Li of political rights for life and confiscated all of his property.

What he gained from his crimes was turned over to the state treasury, while the embezzled funds were to be returned to the victimized units.

According to the court, from 2006 to 2024, Li took advantage of his positions as mayor and Party secretary of Shuangyashan city in Heilongjiang, secretary-general of the Heilongjiang Provincial Government, and deputy director of the Standing Committee of the Heilongjiang Provincial People's Congress, to seek benefits for companies and individuals in business operations, work promotions, and case execution.

In return, he received money and property totaling 117 million yuan ($16.46 million).

In April 2009 and April 2012, Li embezzled public assets worth over 1.68 million yuan through the means of selling properties at high prices and purchasing them at low prices.

The court said the amount was large and had a bad influence on public perception. However, as Li confessed to his crimes, pleaded guilty, showed remorse, and returned his illegal gains, he was given a lenient punishment.

The court held a public trial for Li's case on May 22, during which procurators presented relevant evidence.

Li made a final statement and confessed to his crimes in court.