Moutai ex-boss admits to bribes

By Chen Qian  |   2008-10-30  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

THE former general manager of famous liquor maker Kweichow Moutai admitted taking 12 million yuan (US$1.76 million) in bribes during his trial yesterday in Zunyi, Guizhou Province.

Qiao Hong, 54, was charged with bribery and holding a huge amount of assets from unknown sources during the trial at Zunyi Intermediate People's Court.

After nine hours of testimony Qiao finally admitted he had taken bribes, Xinhua news agency reported yesterday.

Qiao took the helm at Shanghai-listed Kweichow Moutai in 2000 and was credited with boosting sales of Moutai liquor, which is often served at business and government gatherings.

Prosecutors accused Qiao of taking more than 14.42 million yuan in bribes from the end of 2000 through March 2007, the report said.

Prosecutors also pointed out that Qiao failed to explain how he acquired 8.4 million yuan in property. Qiao left Kweichow Moutai to become deputy director of the Guizhou provincial committee of the State Assets Administration in May 2007.

Qiao's younger brother Qiao Jianhua and Hanjiang Trading Co were also listed as defendants at yesterday's hearing. Qiao Jianhua owns Hanjiang Trading, the report said. Qiao Jianhua also faced charges of taking bribes, as well as tax evasion. His company was accused of tax evasion, the report said.

The court did not announce a verdict.

Security was tight as six court policemen guarded the entrance to the courtroom while at least 50 policemen were stationed either in the court or outside.

Qiao was taken into custody in May 2007 for taking bribes from sponsors during the 2002 World Cup that was co-hosted by Japan and South Korea, earlier reports said.

Qiao reportedly organized a trip to the World Cup for outstanding employees.