A former county head in central China's Henan Province has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for taking bribes, many of which he saw as only "traditional holiday gifts".

Luan Weidong was found guilty of taking bribes worth about 2.7 million yuan (US$348,000) from 1999 to 2004, when he served as head of Xihua County, Henan Province, and secretary of the county committee of the CPC.

Of this, more than 823,000 yuan (US$106,000) worth of bribes was taken at various festivals, according to the Zhoukou Intermediate People's Court, where the case was heard.

The court heard that Luan also took "gifts" when he left the county to attend meetings or receive training, and when he or his family members were hospitalized.

Luan had tried to defend his bribe taking by saying taking money during holidays was a Chinese tradition and not really bribery. He also said at times he had to pay out to other officials as much as he received. "I have to send out the same or more on weddings, funerals or other festival occasions," he said.

The court said Luan took advantage of his authority to seek favors and advantages for people who paid him bribes.

The court said Luo also failed to account for the huge discrepancy between his income and his property, which amounts to more than 3.6 million yuan.

China has vowed to fight corruption, including the so-called "holiday corruption", or bribes disguised as traditional gifts.

(Xinhua News Agency February 14, 2007)