Zheng Shaodong, former Assistant Minister of Public Security, went on trial in northwest China Wednesday on charges of accepting bribes and abusing his authority.

Zheng Shaodong [File photo]

The trial started at the Intermediate People's Court in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province.

Prosecutors allege that from 2001 to October 2007, Zheng abused his position by promoting the interests of other people in return for bribes worth more than 8.26 million yuan (1.04 million U.S. dollars).

Zheng had sought personal gains by using his authority to help others by seeking favors for people involved in criminal investigations, and in job promotions and employment, say prosecutors.

From 2001 to 2005, Zheng was deputy head of the Department of Public Security of Guangdong Province and the former director of the economic criminal investigation bureau under the Ministry of Public Security.

In April 2005, he was promoted to Assistant Minister of Public Security.

The trial was open to Zheng's lawyer and family members as well to the public and media.

The trial was adjourned till a later date.