CHINA

Former Hainan Graft Buster Sentenced to 12 Years for Bribery

Published: Jan. 20, 2026 8:43 p.m. GMT+8

00:00

00:00/00:00

Listen to this article 1x

A Chinese court sentenced a former senior anti-corruption official from the southern island province of Hainan to 12 years in prison on Tuesday, the latest high-profile conviction in Beijing’s widening anti-corruption campaign.

The Shanghai First Intermediate People’s Court found Chen Xiaobo, formerly the deputy party chief of the Hainan Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission, guilty of accepting bribes totaling 37.35 million yuan ($5.37 million). The court also fined Chen 3 million yuan ($430,000) and ordered the confiscation of all illicit gains.

You've accessed an article available only to subscribers

Subscribe today for just $.99.

VIEW OPTIONS

Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.

Subscribe to both Caixin Global and The Wall Street Journal — for the price of one.

Share this article

Open WeChat and scan the QR code

DIGEST HUB

Digest Hub

Back

Explore the story in 30 seconds

Former Hainan anti-corruption official Chen Xiaobo was sentenced to 12 years for accepting 37.35 million yuan ($5.37 million) in bribes.
Chen, who supervised anti-graft efforts, admitted guilt and returned illicit gains; he also received a 3 million yuan fine.
The case highlights ongoing anti-corruption efforts in China, with Chen the third senior official tried in 2026 and the latest in a series of Hainan leaders convicted.

AI generated, for reference only

What Happened When

Before 1996：: Chen Xiaobo began his career in the police force.

1996：: Chen Xiaobo moved into civilian administration in Hainan.

Between 2007 and 2024：: Chen Xiaobo solicited bribes in exchange for facilitating land purchases, securing construction contracts, and arranging job promotions during his various positions in Hainan.