Yan Dabin, the former transport head of Wushan County in west China's Chongqing Municipality, stood trial on Wednesday for allegedly taking bribes worth 22 million yuan (3.2 million U.S. dollars).

His wife, Fu Shangfang, was also tried for money laundering during the same trial at the Chongqing No. 2 Intermediate People's Court.

Yan was charged for allegedly taking bribes given by construction companies in exchange for favors to get big contracts in the government-led road and bridge building in the impoverished Wushan County.

The local procuratorate office also charged Fu for allegedly laundering 9.4 million yuan in illicit income through purchasing property and financial products.

The trial was continuing.

(Xinhua News Agency July 17, 2008)