Meng Wei, former vice chairman of the Environmental Protection and Resources Conservation Committee of the National People's Congress, was sentenced to 14 years in prison on July 15 for taking bribes.

Meng, also former head of the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, was fined 2 million yuan (around 285,800 U.S. dollars), according to the trial verdict of the Intermediate People's Court of Xuzhou in east China's Jiangsu Province.

The illicit gains he received in the form of bribes, and any interest arising from these, will be handed over to the state.

It was found out that during 2003 and 2017, Meng took advantage of his various posts, with the help of some state functionaries, to benefit others in business operations, participation in national scientific research, securing environmental rehabilitation projects, and other issues.

In return, he accepted money and assets worth over 20.46 million yuan from relevant units and individuals, according to the verdict.

Meng was given a lenient punishment since he had confessed to his crimes, pled guilty, showed repentance, and surrendered his illicit gains, the court said.