A former China Mobile chairman has received the death penalty after being found guilty of accepting an estimated $2.6 million (16.48 million yuan) in bribes, according toAFP.
The man, Li Hua, formerly held the position of chairman and general manager of the state owned mobile operator’s Sichuan branch.
Earlier this year Hua turned himself into police after admitting that he had received funds in exchange for offering “interests”
Interestingly for a death sentence, Li has been handed an additional two year probation. This effectively grants him a two year reprieve, although CNN believes that the man’s life may be spared as such sentences are “commonly commuted to life imprisonment”.
China Mobile has enjoyed more positive news of late. It’s recently announcedhalf year profits of $9.6bnwhich, alongside its estimated929 million subscribers, made it the world’s largest mobile operator both on profits and users.
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These figures are likely to further increase ifrumours of secret meetings between company officials and Applesee the operator finally licensed to sell the iPhone in China.
Story byMatthew Panzarino
Matthew Panzarino was Managing Editor at TNW. He’s no longer with the company, but you can follow him on Twitter.(show all)Matthew Panzarino was Managing Editor at TNW. He’s no longer with the company, but you can follow him onTwitter.
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