Ling Chengxing, the former head of China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, has admitted guilt and expressed remorse in court on charges of bribery and abuse of power. He is accused of illegally accepting bribes over 43.1 million yuan ($5.9 million).
During his tenure from 2006 to 2023, the Changchun court heard accusations that Ling exploited his influential positions to benefit various entities and individuals in areas such as project contracts, business operations, and job placements. He is also alleged to have engaged in malpractice and abused his power in overseeing investments, acquisitions, and related reviews, causing substantial losses to state-owned enterprises and inflicting significant harm to national interests.
Before leading the tobacco administration, Ling held other prominent positions, including vice-governor of Jiangxi province, a member of the Party committee of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and general manager of China National Tobacco Corporation.
The court will announce its verdict at a later date.
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