Former Provincial Party Chief’s 30-Year Bribe Spree Ends With Prison Term

Published: Dec. 9, 2025 9:14 p.m. GMT+8

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The Shanghai No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court announces the first-instance verdict in the bribery case of Luo Baoming, deputy chairperson of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee of the 13th National People’s Congress, on Dec. 9, 2025. Photo: CCTV News

A court on Tuesday sentenced Luo Baoming, the former Communist Party chief of the island province of Hainan, to 15 years in prison for taking more than 113 million yuan (about $16 million) in bribes over a nearly three-decade career.

The Shanghai No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court also fined Luo 5 million yuan (about $700,000) and ordered the confiscation of all his illegal gains and their interest, according to a statement released by the court on its official social media account.

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This is an AI-generated English rendering of original reporting or commentary published by Caixin Media. In the event of any discrepancies, the Chinese version shall prevail.

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Luo Baoming, former Hainan party chief, was sentenced to 15 years in prison and fined 5 million yuan for taking over 113 million yuan ($16 million) in bribes.
The court cited his confession, cooperation, and return of illegal gains as reasons for his lighter sentence.
Luo’s corruption spanned from 1995 to 2024 across various high-level positions, culminating after his 2023 retirement.

AI generated, for reference only

1995：: Luo Baoming began abusing his positions to assist individuals and companies with government contracts, loans, and business deals shortly after becoming the director of Tianjin’s commerce committee.

2001：: Luo Baoming moved to Hainan.

2007：: Luo Baoming became governor of Hainan.

2011：: Luo Baoming became Party Secretary of Hainan.

2017：: Luo Baoming stepped down as Party Secretary of Hainan.

Until 2023：: Luo Baoming held a senior role in the National People’s Congress.

Between 1995 and 2024：: Luo Baoming abused his various senior positions for corrupt purposes.

July 2024：: The high-profile corruption case against Luo Baoming began.

January 2025：: Luo Baoming was expelled from the Communist Party.

February 2025：: Luo Baoming was formally arrested.

June 2025：: Luo Baoming was indicted.

September 17, 2025：: Luo Baoming’s public trial was held, where he pleaded guilty.

By 2025：: Luo Baoming confessed, showed remorse, returned all illegal funds, and provided important clues aiding investigators.

December 9, 2025：: Luo Baoming was sentenced to 15 years in prison and fined 5 million yuan by the Shanghai No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court.

AI generated, for reference only