A former vice mayor of Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, tried to avoid promotion so that he could continue taking bribes for land deals, it is claimed.

Cao Jianliao.[File photo]

Cao Jianliao even went as far as getting villagers to sign a petition begging him to stay, reported Xinhua news agency yesterday.

The 59-year-old is alleged to have raked in nearly 300 million yuan (US$49.06 million) from urban development and kept 11 mistresses.

Following an investigation by the provincial Party disciplinary watchdog, Cao was expelled from the Party and removed from public office in July.

He is currently in detention as prosecutors investigate the case.

During his career, Cao several times tried not to be promoted, reported Xinhua.

His reluctance was not out of devotion to the public but because if promoted Cao would lose the authority to approve urban projects and take associated bribes, it claimed.

Cao is alleged to have taken his first bribe in 1992, when Party chief of Shahe Town in Guangzhou.

A Hong Kong developer sent Cao 2 million yuan (US$326,900) and Cao agreed to let him develop local land, Xinhua reported.

As a township official, Cao would decide land issues, providing a golden opportunity to cash in on shady ties between officials and real estate developers, it reported.

He even created public campaigns to avoid being promoted away from his patch, it is claimed.

"Cao asked his subordinates to get us to sign a letter begging him stay," one villager said. "We didn't understand why at that time, but when I look back now I find the whole thing ridiculous."

Cao finally took promotion, working in downtown districts such as Tianhe, and was dubbed a "ghost landlord" for his notoriety in manipulating contracts, reported Xinhua.

It was earlier reported that Cao had at least 11 mistresses — from government officials to company managers. He is said to have lavished cars and property on them and promoted officials on their suggestion.

Details were revealed in an anti-graft film shown to nearly 300 top officials around the province after Cao's downfall.

At one point in the film, Cao states, "I don't hanker after small gains. I just take huge bribes."

Cao abused his power to take enormous bribes and seek benefits for others and violated "socialist morals" by committing adultery with numerous women, according to the Guangdong Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection.

Cao's wife and children moved to Hong Kong in 1990s.

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