Photo: Website of the Supreme People's Procuratorate of China

Peng Bo, former deputy head of anti-cult-related activities office and a former cyberspace official, was sentenced to 14 years in prison and fined 5 million yuan ($700,113) for taking bribes, Wuxi Intermediate People's Court in East China's Jiangsu Province announced on Thursday.

Peng's illicit gains, including any interest accrued, were ordered to be confiscated and turned over to the state treasury. Peng accepted the court's decision and will not appeal, according to the court.

From 2006 to 2018, Peng took advantage of positions including deputy head of the Cyberspace Administration of China, deputy head of the office for the central leading group for the prevention and handling of cult-related activities. He used these positions to seek benefits for others such as facilitating the settlement of lawsuits and handling land transfer procedures in violation of regulations. Peng and his relatives accepted money and goods worth more than 54.64 million yuan during the period, said the court.

Peng took particularly large bribes but was given a lenient punishment after confessing his crimes and showing repentance. Also, all his illicit gains have been recovered, according to the court.

It was announced in August 2021 that Peng had been expelled from the Communist Party of China for breaches of discipline. Peng was found to have abandoned his principles and beliefs and to have become disloyal to the Party.

Global Times