"I never expected I would have such an ending. I was brought up in a poor family and endured a lot of hardships since childhood. I hated corrupt officials since I was young, but I became one in the end. It's just so sad."

Zhou Benshun, 63, former top official of Hebei province

Zhou was placed under investigation of corruption charges in October. No detailed information is available about the value of bribes he obtained.

The documentary showed that Zhou redecorated a two-story government building in a military compound in Hebei province and used it as his home. He hired a caretaker for his pets, and after his pet tortoise died at home, Zhou had Buddhist Sutras transcribed, burying the transcriptions with the tortoise. Zhou confessed in the first episode of the TV series to failing to discipline his children and using his power to help his son's business. Zhou's wife, Duan Yanqiu, and his son, Zhou Jing, were also placed under investigation.