Sun Zhengcai, who was once touted as the next big leader in China, was caught accepting bribes of more than USD 26.7 million, the BBC reported.

The 54-year-old is the latest to succumb in Chinese President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption drive.

Zhengcai, the former party chief of Chongqing, pleaded guilty.

The government said that it will seize Zhengcai illegal gains.

One of the most powerful men in all of China presently, Jinping rose to fame due to his anti-corruption stance.

He has punished over a million officials after assuming office.

However, political commentators and Jinping's critics have accused him of using the drive as a pretext to silence anyone who dares to challenge the President.

Sun's Image:  Partidul Social Democrat /Wikipedia

Xi's Image: Screengrab from YouTube