The former chairman of China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), was convicted of corruption by a court in Beijing, the New York Times reported, citing state media. Chen Tonghai, who was convicted of taking some US$28.7 million in bribes, was given a suspended death sentence. The court ruling stated that "all his political rights were deprived for life and all his personal property confiscated." Chen is also expected to serve a life term in prison. According to state media, Chen had already pleaded guilty in the case, paid back the amount of the bribes and has helped prosecutors with other investigations.