China jails ex-vice governor 17 years on graft charges

Ni Fake (C), former vice governor of the eastern province of Anhui, listens to his verdict at a court in Dongying, Shandong province, Feb 28, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - A former Chinese vice governor known for his appetite for jade and arts was sentenced to 17 years in prison on corruption charges on Saturday, a Chinese court said.

Ni Fake, former vice governor of the eastern province of Anhui, was found guilty of taking more than $2 million in bribes, the Municipal Intermediate People's Court for the eastern city of Dongying said in a statement.

He also failed to explain the sources for nearly $1 million of additional assets, the court said.

The court said it would also confiscate 1 million yuan ($160,000) of his personal wealth.

China is in the midst of a sweeping anti-graft campaign under President Xi Jinping. The campaign, now in its third year, has shown no sign of relaxing.

Ni was known for his connoisseurship of jade and arts, and those seeking his favors bribed him with the precious stone and scrolls of calligraphy and paintings, in addition to cash, according to the court.

It said that Ni confessed and would not appeal the verdict.