A scientist with the Chinese Academy of Sciences who was accused of embezzling more than 1 million yuan (US$159,000) stood trial yesterday in Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People's Court.

The wife of Duan Zhenhao, a professor in the Institute of Geology and Geophysics of CAS, claimed he abused research funds to support two mistresses and father an illegitimate daughter. Duan said he merely donated sperm to help friends.

The 53-year-old man has admitted the 1 million-yuan corruption. But other allegations regarding his dissolute personal life haven't been confirmed, the Legal Evening News reported yesterday.

Duan's wife, Cao Xia, didn't show up in court. Cao revealed online last July that her husband indulged in extramarital affairs and used research funds to buy property and luxury goods for his mistresses. She also said she had convincing evidence to confirm her husband's wrongdoing, the report said.

Auditors from the CAS soon launched a probe into Duan and found the allegations to be true. He siphoned off the research funds and falsely claimed the travel allowances, according to an official statement on its website on July 21 2011.

The statement denied Cao's accusation that Duan had abused his position to sleep with and help a female student surnamed Zhang.

Zhang had changed tutors in 2010 because of health reasons and was still studying for a doctoral degree, the statement showed.