China Sentences Former Senior Finance Official to Life in Prison for Bribery

A Chinese court sentenced Wang Jianjun, a former senior finance official, to life in prison after finding him guilty of taking bribes worth nearly US$14 million. The court in eastern Shandong province issued the sentence on Monday, September 7.

Wang, 58, served as vice-chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission from 2021 to 2025. The commission oversees the country’s financial markets, including stock and bond trading and company listings.

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to secure benefits for entities or individuals in areas such as company listings, corporate financing and the awarding of contracts

The court said Wang used his positions between 2005 and 2019 to secure benefits for companies and individuals in areas including company listings, corporate financing and contract awards. It said he received assets and funds worth more than 93.4 million yuan, or US$13.9 million, either directly or through third parties.

Wang admitted the facts in court and expressed remorse, the court said. His case comes within President Xi Jinping’s continuing anti-corruption campaign, which has brought down large numbers of officials since Xi took office in late 2012. In recent years, the campaign has expanded to include the banking and financial sectors.

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admitted the facts before the court and expressed remorse