Speaking of corruption probes as it is becoming increasingly difficult not to in China these days, Liu Tienan, a former deputy head of the government’s top planning body, the National Development and Reform Commission, has gone on trial for accepting millions of dollars in bribes.

Liu was the deputy head until he was sacked in August 2013, and he is accused of accepting about 35.6 million yuan (€4.54 million) together with his son, Liu Decheng, in return for favours granted to businesses.

Liu was also head of the energy regulator, the National Energy Administration.

He is accused of using his position to benefit five companies, including the Nanshan Group in Shandong province, which owns aluminium factories, as well as a golf club, wine company and schools.

In return for facilitating the company to easily procure oxidised aluminium, as well as approving various other deals, Liu and his son allegedly received cash and presents, including a Nissan Teana for the father, and a Beijing villa and a Porsche for the son, prosecutors told the Langfang City Intermediate Court.

He faces life in prison if found guilty.

Investigative journalist

What is unusual about this case is that the allegations first appeared in the media, after an investigative journalist tracked Liu.

Luo Changping, deputy editor-in-chief of the business magazine Caijing, posted accusations on his microblog in late 2012, alleging that Liu was involved in a number of illegal activities.

Journalism that directly leads to prosecution of suspects is extremely rare in China, and more often that not, the journalist ends up in trouble.

Liu’s case is the latest in a widening crackdown on graft.

Everyone is waiting for the biggest corruption trial of them all, when China’s former security czar Zhou Yongkang, who is being investigated for disciplinary violations, is brought to book.