Former Top Tobacco Regulator Sentenced to 12 Years for Graft
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Zhang Tianfeng
A Chinese court sentenced a former deputy chief of the country’s powerful tobacco regulator to 12 years in prison on Thursday, marking the latest conviction in a sweeping crackdown on deep-seated corruption within the state-run monopoly.
The Intermediate People’s Court of Ganzhou in Jiangxi province found Zhang Tianfeng guilty of accepting bribes totaling more than 34.07 million yuan ($4.98 million). The court also fined him 2 million yuan and ordered the confiscation of all illicit gains and accrued interest.
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- Zhang Tianfeng, former deputy chief of China's tobacco regulator, was sentenced to 12 years for accepting over 34.07 million yuan ($4.98 million) in bribes.
- The court imposed a 2 million yuan fine, confiscated his illicit gains, and granted leniency for his confession and cooperation.
- His sentencing is part of a broader anti-corruption crackdown; Zhang is the eighth senior official sentenced in 2026.
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What Happened When
- 2017：
- Zhang Tianfeng was promoted to Beijing as the head of personnel for the national tobacco monopoly.
- 2019：
- The tobacco industry in China began facing intense scrutiny.
- 2020：
- Zhang Tianfeng became deputy director of the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration.
- Between 2004 and 2023：
- Zhang Tianfeng exploited his positions to secure contracts, jobs, and promotions for others in exchange for bribes.
- May 2023：
- Zhang Tianfeng retired at age 60 from his position as deputy director.
- 2024：
- He Zehua, a former deputy director, was sentenced to death with a reprieve for taking bribes.
- Early January 2026：
- Zhang Tianfeng pleaded guilty during his trial.
- February 26, 2026：
- A Chinese court sentenced Zhang Tianfeng, former deputy chief of the tobacco regulator, to 12 years in prison for bribery.
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