A FORMER anti-graft chief in a central Chinese city went on trial at a local court yesterday, accused of bribery and being unable to account for millions of yuan in personal assets.

Zeng Jinchun, former head of the Communist Party of China (CPC) discipline inspection commission in Chenzhou, Hunan Province, allegedly took 31.52 million yuan (US$4.5 million) in bribes between 1997 and 2006, the Changsha Municipal Intermediate People's Court heard.

Zeng, who also served as vice secretary of the CPC Chenzhou municipal committee, also could not account for another 9.6 million yuan.

The former official, together with his wife, son and daughter, received bribes from 45 people who sought help for mine contracts construction bids, job promotions, disputes and other favors.

Zeng was arrested in December 2006.

(Xinhua)