Tag

Bribery

All articles tagged with #bribery

China hands suspended-death sentences to two former defense ministers over bribes
world19 days ago

China hands suspended-death sentences to two former defense ministers over bribes

A Chinese military court sentenced ex-defense ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu to death with a two-year reprieve for bribery (Li’s case included both accepting and offering bribes). Such sentences are commonly commuted to life, reflecting President Xi Jinping’s ongoing anti-corruption purge and moves to consolidate loyalty within the top ranks, including a dramatically downsized Central Military Commission. Li Shangfu has since been replaced by Dong Jun as defense minister; the broader political motive remains to strengthen Xi’s control, with unclear policy disagreements shaping the cases.

Warren Accuses Amazon MGM of Bribery in Melania Documentary Bid
politics1 month ago

Warren Accuses Amazon MGM of Bribery in Melania Documentary Bid

Sen. Elizabeth Warren calls Amazon MGM’s $40 million bid to license Melania a 'bribery in plain sight' and asks for details on any talks with the Trump administration amid a pay-to-play probe; Amazon says the decision was based on access, the story, and a competitive bidding process. The bid topped the next bidder by about $26 million (Disney). Melania opened in theaters in January and has grossed roughly $16.6 million globally, a level unlikely to recoup the film’s costs. Lawmakers urge transparency on whether federal bribery laws were violated.

Toronto police tied to organized crime: officers accused of leaking data, taking bribes
world3 months ago

Toronto police tied to organized crime: officers accused of leaking data, taking bribes

Seven Toronto police officers and one retired officer were arrested and charged in an organized-crime probe for bribery, conspiracy to murder, and drug trafficking, allegedly leaking personal information to mobsters who then committed violence; the case began with a murder plot against a corrections employee and expanded as suspects targeted the employee and people in the police databases, with some officers accused of protecting illegal cannabis operations for bribes. Authorities suspended those accused and called for stricter oversight, while officials stressed the need to preserve public trust.

Ex-OPEC Chief Denies Bribe Claims in London Corruption Trial
world3 months ago

Ex-OPEC Chief Denies Bribe Claims in London Corruption Trial

Former Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, who led OPEC in 2014–15, told a Southwark Crown Court in London that she did not take bribes as she faces five bribery counts and a conspiracy charge tied to 2011–2015. Prosecutors allege she enjoyed a lavish lifestyle funded by oil-contract interests linked to Atlantic Energy and SPOG Petrochemical, while the defence says critical records are missing or delayed, hindering her ability to defend herself.

Chanel, Diamonds and a Courtroom: Korea's Ex-First Lady Sentenced
world3 months ago

Chanel, Diamonds and a Courtroom: Korea's Ex-First Lady Sentenced

Kim Keon Hee, South Korea’s former first lady and wife of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, was sentenced to 1 year and 8 months in prison for bribery tied to gifts from the Unification Church, including a Chanel bag and a Graff diamond necklace. The court found she misused her status to obtain money and luxury items but cleared her of stock manipulation and conspiring with her husband over polls (and also cleared her for receiving a second Chanel bag); the bribes were valued at about 1.15 billion won (~$813,000). Prosecutors and Kim can appeal. This case adds to a broader web of scandals surrounding the couple, who are both facing multiple trials, and marks the first time a former South Korean president and his wife have been jailed at the same time.