The Chinese court sentenced the former mayor of Wuhan, Zhou Xiangwan, to 14 years in prison for accepting bribes. In addition, a fine of 5 million yuan (about 700,000 dollars) was imposed on him, Jiemian News reports, referring to the judgment of the Intermediate People's Court of Shanxiu City, Henan Province. According to the court, between 2003 and May 2025, Zhou used his official position and official connections to provide support to companies and private individuals. In particular, we are talking about signing construction contracts, conducting business and obtaining administrative permits. In return, he received more than 60.5 million yuan (about 8.5 million dollars) in property and cash. During his career, Zhou held a number of leadership positions in Hubei Province. He headed the administration of Huanxi city, was the vice governor of the province, and in May 2018, he became the acting mayor of Wuhan. Later, he was officially confirmed in that position. Zhou led Wuhan during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and stepped down as mayor in January 2021. Later, he held the position of vice-chairman of the People's Political Consultative Council of Hubei Province, which he left in January 2023. In July 2025, Zhou came under investigation on suspicion of serious violations of discipline and law. In January 2026, he was expelled from the Chinese Communist Party and released from public service. During a trial in July 2026, Zhou pleaded guilty and expressed remorse. The court took into account that some of the crimes were not brought to the end, the defendant provided the investigation with previously unknown information about bribes, actively returned the illegally obtained funds, and the crime � Most of the related property has already been seized. Considering these circumstances, the court decided to reduce the sentence. Confiscated criminal proceeds and additional funds obtained from them must be transferred to the state, and the remaining amount, if any, is ordered to be collected in an additional order. The verdict was given by the court of first instance.