Prosecutors said in terms of income, the family could legally explain more than 4 million yuan, while more than 16 million yuan was gained illegally.

More than 15 million yuan in bribes from 19 organizations or individuals were given to Wen or his wife on 119 occasions from 1996 to 2009, when Wen was deputy director of the municipality's police bureau or director of its justice bureau, the charges claim.

And 786,000 yuan was accepted between 2000 and 2008 from six bosses of mafia-style organizations, who have either been convicted or are under prosecution.

This includes 181 bottles of vintage wine, 80 pieces of jewelry and watches, 36 fine works of art, nine cultural relics and 69 rolls of paintings - all recovered from 16 properties owned by the family, according to prosecutors.

In his 70-minute self defense, Wen articulated details of more than 140 occasions that he received money and insisted a lot of it was gifts for his birthday and spring festivals, which he said is normal etiquette and should not be considered bribery.

"Besides, I have had a hobby of collecting good wine for a long time. I disagree that only 40,000 yuan ($5,800) of my wine was gained legally," said Wen.