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Former BAIC Chairman Xu Heyi sentenced to death with reprieve for bribery, money laundering
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On September 28, 2026, the Beijing No. 3 Intermediate People's Court publicly sentenced Xu Heyi, former Party Secretary and Chairman of Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC), for bribery and money laundering. Xu was convicted of bribery and sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve, lifelong deprivation of political rights, and confiscation of all personal property. For money laundering, he received a two-year prison term and a fine of 200,000 yuan. The court merged the sentences into the death penalty with reprieve and full property confiscation. All bribery proceeds and their interest were ordered forfeited to the state. Xu, a prominent state-owned enterprise leader in China's auto industry, was investigated after retirement, underscoring that anti-corruption efforts in the state sector have no 'retirement shield.' The money laundering conviction signals that attempts to conceal illicit gains through asset transfers will also face criminal liability, reflecting a full-chain crackdown on corruption. The verdict aims to deter other state-owned enterprise executives and reinforce the message that power must be constrained and legal boundaries respected.
Source report
Beijing, September 28, 2026 — The Beijing Third Intermediate People's Court today publicly delivered its verdict in the case of Xu Heyu, former Party Secretary and Chairman of Beijing Automotive Group Co., Ltd. (BAIC), on charges of bribery and money laundering, according to a statement from the Beijing Court.
Verdict Details
- Bribery charge: Sentenced to death, with a two-year reprieve, deprivation of political rights for life, and confiscation of all personal property.
- Money laundering charge: Sentenced to two years' imprisonment and fined RMB 200,000.
- Combined sentence: Death penalty with a two-year reprieve, deprivation of political rights for life, and confiscation of all personal property.
- All proceeds from Xu's bribery crimes and any accrued interest have been confiscated and turned over to the state treasury.
Case Background
Xu Heyu, a prominent figure in China's automotive industry, led BAIC for an extended period as a senior executive of a state-owned enterprise. His downfall after retirement underscores that there is no "retirement shield" against anti-corruption efforts in the state-owned enterprise sector. Whether in office or retired, individuals involved in corruption will ultimately face legal consequences.
The court's recognition of the money laundering charge demonstrates that attempts to conceal illicit gains through the transfer or concealment of funds will also be subject to criminal liability, reflecting the judicial system's commitment to dismantling the entire chain of corruption.
Broader Implications
Leaders of state-owned enterprises hold significant decision-making power over business operations. Once their ethical defenses collapse, it not only results in losses of state assets but also damages the business environment within the industry. This verdict underscores the state's firm resolve to combat corruption and serves as a strong deterrent to executives in the state-owned sector.
Power must be subject to constraints. Managers of state-owned enterprises should take this case as a warning, strictly adhere to discipline and legal boundaries, respect the power they hold, and exercise it with caution. Any attempt to exploit official positions for rent-seeking or to transfer illicit funds will come at a heavy price.
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Source
网易财经Eastern
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Former BAIC Chairman Xu Heyi Sentenced to Death with Reprieve for Bribery and Money Laundering