JINAN, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Li Yunfeng, former executive vice governor of Jiangsu Province, was sentenced to 12 years in prison Thursday for taking bribes of over 14 million yuan (2.2 million U.S. dollars).

His illegal gains will be retrieved and turned in to national treasury. He was also fined 1.5 million yuan, according to a statement by a court in the city of Heze, Shandong Province.

The court found that between 2003 and 2014, Li took advantage of his various posts to provide help in construction project contracting, project planning and personnel promotion for certain companies and individuals.

In return, he accepted gifts and money worth over 14.77 million yuan, either by himself or through "specific affiliated persons," it said.

The statement said the court handed down the sentence while taking into consideration the fact that Li confessed to his crimes, showed repentance and was cooperative in returning all his illegal gains.