The Standing Committee of Shandong Provincial People's Congress has approved the arrest of Li Xin, a deputy to the congress, on charges of receiving bribes.

Shandong's procuratorate accused Li Xin of taking advantage of his position as vice mayor of Jining and director of the management committee of the Jining High-tech Development Zone to accept bribes to seek gain for others.

Li Xin was reported to have opened a company with a woman, Li Yuchun, in January 2002.

In July 2003, Li Xin allegedly deposited 3 million yuan (US$362,463) in the company account and then wanted to withdraw the money.

However, Li Yuchun refused, suspecting he was trying to launder the money. Later, Li Yuchun decided to withdraw from the company and reported Li Xin to authorities. Lin Xin allegedly then kidnapped and threatened Li Yuchun, demanding she cooperate.

On Feb. 23, 2003, Li Xin began to relent, allegedly prostrating himself in front of Lin Yuchun in fear of being exposed.

(Shenzhen Daily July 28, 2004)