Hao Hongjun, a former senior municipal political advisor in Dalian, Liaoning province, stood trial on Thursday at the Intermediate People's Court of Handan in Hebei province for alleged bribery.

Prosecutors from the People's Procuratorate of Handan accused Hao of taking advantage of his various positions to abuse his power in order to seek profits for others in the purchase and transfer of bank shares, project contracting, commodity sales, case handling, job promotion as well as other means. In exchange, he accepted money and valuables amounting to more than 74.98 million yuan ($10.5 million). Prosecutors urged that Hao be held criminally responsible for taking bribes.

Hao formerly served as chairman of the Dalian Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and secretary of the committee's leading Party members group. Since 2006 to 2023, he also served as vice mayor and public security bureau chief of Liaoning's Yingkou city, senior official at Liaoning's Fushun, Dalian, and the provincial commissions for discipline inspection and supervision.

During the trial, the prosecution and defense sides expressed their opinions under the court's guidance, with Hao making a final statement where he expressed remorse and admitted guilt.

The court adjourned the trial and will announce the verdict at a later date.