Tang Yijun, a former minister of justice, was sentenced to life in prison for bribery by a court in Fujian province on Monday.

The Xiamen Intermediate People's Court also ruled that Tang be deprived of political rights for life and that all his personal assets be confiscated. Tang's illicit gains and related interest were ordered to be turned over to the State treasury, the court said.

According to the ruling, Tang abused his positions between 2006 and 2022 — including serving as governor of Liaoning province and minister of justice — to seek benefits for departments and individuals in matters such as company initial public offerings, land buybacks, bank loans and case handling. In return, he accepted bribes worth more than 137 million yuan ($19.7 million).

The court found Tang's actions constituted the crime of bribery and warranted severe punishment because the amount involved was "extremely large", causing "extremely huge" losses to the country and the people.

However, the court said it showed leniency because Tang confessed to the crime, voluntarily reported many bribes that were previously unknown to investigators and actively returned his illicit gains.

Tang, 64, is a native of Shandong province. He began his career in July 1977 and joined the Communist Party of China in October 1985. He served in various posts in Zhejiang province for decades before beginning work in Liaoning in early 2017.

In 2023, Tang was elected chairman of the Jiangxi Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Before taking the post in Jiangxi, he served as minister of justice.

In April 2024, Tang was placed under investigation for suspected serious violations of Party discipline and national laws. Six months later, he was expelled from the Party and removed from public office.

In February 2025, Tang was indicted on bribery charges, and the court held a public hearing in September.