Former Chinese police chief sentenced to death for taking $78M in bribes

According to the ruling announced by the Xiangyang Intermediate People's Court in Hubei Province on Monday, 60-year-old Wang Dawei received a suspended death sentence with a two-year reprieve for "bribery".

He was also stripped of his political rights for life, and all his personal assets were confiscated, according to Xinhua.

In China, prisoners with suspended death sentences may have their sentences commuted to life imprisonment if they do not commit new crimes during the suspension period. Further reductions or parole are possible with good behavior. However, in Wang's case, the court ruled there will be no possibility of a reduced sentence or pardon, even with good behavior, meaning he will spend the rest of his life in prison.

The court also ordered that all of Wang's illegal gains be recovered and turned over to the state treasury.

The court found that from 2008 to 2022, Wang used his positions to provide advantages to three companies, ensuring smooth operations, policy adjustments, and other business benefits.

In return, he received money, cars, and assets valued at over 555 million yuan, China Daily reported.

The court declared Wang's actions as constituting bribery, noting that "the amount of his bribes was extremely large and the circumstance of his offense was extremely serious, bringing great losses to the interests of the country and the people."