Former energy chief guilty of bribery

Jiang Jiemin, former head of China National Petroleum Corp, the nation's top energy group, went on trial on Monday at the Hubei Provincial Hanjiang Intermediate People's Court.

Jiang, 60, was charged with bribery, abuse of power and owning properties that he could not have afforded from his legitimate earnings, according to the court.

Between 2004 and 2013, Jiang was the deputy general manager, general manager and chairman of CNPC, as well as chairman and CEO of PetroChina Co Ltd. He was promoted to the head of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission in March 2013.

The prosecution said he used his position to benefit others with projects and job promotions, then accepted bribes valued at 14 million yuan ($2.3 million), paid either to himself or his wife.

Jiang was accused of owning properties worth an additional 14.82 million yuan that obviously exceeded his earnings.

As of Aug 31, 2013, Jiang's personal and family property and expenditures "had apparently surpassed the legal income of himself and his family" and Jiang could not identify the sources for the surplus, according to prosecutors.

The prosecutors said that Jiang abused his power and that his actions resulted in big losses to State assets when he was working with the CNPC and PetroChina between 2004 and 2008.

According to prosecutors, at the request of Zhou Yongkang, the former security chief charged with corruption on April 3, Jiang used his position to gain huge benefits for other people by obtaining oil and gas field exploration rights and bidding for gas turbine generating projects, resulting in grave losses to State assets.

During Monday's hearing, prosecutors informed Jiang of his rights, questioned him and heard the case for his defense.

Jiang pleaded guilty to all charges and has actively cooperated with judicial officers in the confiscation of his illegal proceeds.

"I realize the seriousness of my wrongdoings, resulting in great losses to State interests, and feel so sorry for my parents and the people, " he said, adding that he is prepared to receive his punishment.

Eighty people from judicial authorities, the media and the public attended the trial. The verdict will be released at a later date.

zhangyan1@chinadaily.com.cn