The former vice-mayor of Zengcheng, a suburban city of Guangzhou, Guangdong province, will soon stand trial at court for bribery, sources with Guangzhou Intermediate People's Procuratorate revealed on Aug 15.

Liu Rongzhao, a native of Zengcheng, was detained last year. The 48-year-old, who was selected vice-mayor of Zengcheng in March 2010, was in charge of land resources, housing management and reconstruction of the old city.

An investigation has suggested Liu took 15 million yuan ($2.38 million) in bribes from 12 local property developers while examining and approving land and construction projects.

He was also investigated over illegally purchased shares of local real estate companies and property development projects.

Liu was head of Xintang township and deputy director of Zengcheng People's Congress before he was promoted to Zengcheng’s vice-mayor.