Historic Sentence: Former Chinese Official Faces Death Penalty for Largest Corruption Case

Li Jianping, a former Chinese Communist Party official, was sentenced to death for embezzling USD 421 million, the largest corruption case in China's history. The Higher People’s Court of Inner Mongolia upheld the 2022 sentence. The case shocked the nation as details unfolded, highlighting severe corruption and organized crime links.

Li Jianping, a former Chinese Communist Party official, has been sentenced to death for embezzling USD 421 million, making it the largest corruption case in China's history. The Higher People's Court of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region rejected his appeal, confirming the 2022 verdict.

Li was found guilty of corruption, bribery, embezzlement, and engaging in organized crime. An intermediate court determined that he pocketed 3 billion yuan (USD 421 million) through illegal means, causing severe social impact and displaying extreme malice, as noted by the state-run Xinhua news agency.

Li, previously occupying mid-level official roles, saw his case unfold in late 2018, shocking the nation due to the massive amounts involved. His downfall drew comparisons to other high-profile corruption cases, including those of Lai Xiaomin and Zhang Zhongsheng. The Supreme People's Court will conduct a final review of his sentence.

(With inputs from agencies.)