Chinese national pleads guilty to $20,000 bribe hidden in tea

A Chinese national, Guoxin Zhu, has pleaded guilty to attempting to bribe a public official with $20,000 concealed within tea tins. The bribe was intended to expedite clean energy accreditations for solar panels and batteries manufactured by his employer, Growatt. Zhu appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court and received a 12-month sentence, suspended after he served 26 days in custody.

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In a very deceptive way he offers that.

During his sentencing, the court heard that Zhu, a senior manager for Growatt, traveled to Queensland on a business visa in early July. He met with a representative of the Clean Energy Council, expressing a desire to fast-track accreditation applications. When his initial offer of money was refused, Zhu insisted on giving a gift during a subsequent meeting. This gift, presented as tea, was later found to contain $20,000 in cash.

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The cultural overlay is not an excuse … but it is relevant.

Police prosecutor Bimal Raut described the act as "planned conduct" executed in a "very deceptive way." Zhu's lawyer, Saul Holt KC, argued that his client was deeply ashamed and acknowledged his actions might be acceptable elsewhere but not in Australia. Holt noted that while cultural differences might be relevant, they were not an excuse. He emphasized Zhu's remorse and his role as a financial provider for his family in China.

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He apologises without reservation.

Magistrate Peter Saggers accepted that Zhu's primary motivation was to move the applications forward rather than secure approval. He also considered a letter from Zhu stating he was unaware such conduct was viewed so seriously by Australian law and did not intend to disrespect the country. Zhu is expected to be deported after his release.

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In my country gifts like this are often given.