Former SIPG President Yan Jun Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Accepting Bribes

Yan Jun, the former president of Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG), has been sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined 2m yuan ($280,000) for accepting bribes of more than 36m yuan ($5m).

The court found that Yan engaged in various illegal activities, including preventing others from reporting and providing evidence, engaging in money and sex transactions, participating in gambling activities, and illegally accepting property from others.

Yan used his positions within SIPG to seek benefits for individuals in matters such as route operations, company listing, and expense settlement, illegally accepting property totaling more than $5m.

Despite his wrongdoings, the court acknowledged that Yan “truthfully confessed his crimes” and provided new information regarding the bribes. He also pleaded guilty, returned the stolen money and property obtained from the bribes, which were taken into account during sentencing.

The investigation into Yan began in August 2023, leading to his resignation as SIPG president in July 2023 after nine years in charge. This is not the first instance of a SIPG official facing legal consequences, as former head Chen Xuyuan received a life sentence for taking bribes worth $11m in 2024.

Yan’s sentencing reflects ongoing anti-corruption efforts targeting China’s state-owned enterprises, including shipbuilders. The case serves as a reminder of the consequences for those who engage in corrupt practices within such organizations.