Nur Bekri, former head of the National Energy Administration, was sentenced to life in prison for taking bribes, according to the decision of a court in northeast China's Liaoning Province on Monday.  

He was deprived of his political rights for life, and all his personal property was confiscated, according to the verdict. 

Bekri has been taking advantage of his political power for personal gains from 1998 to 2018, according to the statement of Intermediate People's Court of Shenyang, Liaoning Province.

The statement said that he utilized convenience while he was in charge of helping certain organizations and individuals in contracting projects, promoting products, and securing preferential policies.

Bekri has served roles, including mayor of Urumqi, the capital city of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, chairman of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, former deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission, and most recently head of the National Energy Administration .

Details show that in total, the bribes he directly accepted or through his relatives amounted to more than 79.1 million yuan (around 11.26 million U.S. dollars).  

The court granted him a lenient punishment as he confessed, pleaded guilty, expressed remorse, and surrendered illicit money and properties in bribes, most of which have been recovered, the statement said.

Bekri confirmed the details of his criminal misconduct, recognized the court decision of life imprisonment, and said that he would not appeal.

In March, he was expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and dismissed from public office over serious violations of Party discipline and laws, including taking bribes.

(With input from Xinhua)