Zhang Hongli, a former vice president of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, appears in court on suspicion of taking bribes in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province on November 14, 2024. Photo: Screen shot of CCTV

 
The Hangzhou Intermediate People's Court of East China's Zhejiang Province held a public trial in the first instance of the bribery case of Zhang Hongli, a former vice president of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) on Thursday, as Zhang was charged with illegally accepting property of more than 177 million yuan ($24.44 million), CCTV reported. 

From 2011 to 2022, Zhang took advantage of his positions to provide assistance for relevant units and individuals in loan financing, job arrangements and other matters, according to the charges filed by the Hangzhou Municipal People's Procuratorate. 

Zhang, 59, illegally accepted property directly or through others from the involved units and individuals worth more than 177 million yuan, and the prosecution authority requested that Zhang be held criminally responsible for taking bribes.

During the trial, the procuratorial organization presented relevant evidence. Zhang and his defense attorney conducted cross-examination. Both sides fully expressed their opinions under the court's guidance. Zhang made his final statement, pleaded guilty and expressed remorse in court. At the end of the trial, the court announced a recess and it will schedule a date for the verdict.

The public prosecution was initiated against Zhang on suspicion of taking bribes in August. The lawsuit followed the conclusion of an investigation by the National Commission of Supervision into Zhang's case, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
 
In May this year, Zhang was expelled from the Party over serious violations of Party discipline and laws, per another Xinhua report. 
 
Global Times