On December 4, 2025, the Liupanshui Intermediate People's Court in Guizhou Province publicly announced the first-instance verdict in the case of Li Zhiming, former Party Secretary and Chairman of BANK OF GUIZHOU (06199), for bribery and illegal loan issuance.

The court sentenced Li Zhiming to 14 years in prison for bribery, along with a fine of 2.5 million yuan, and an additional 5.5 years for illegal loan issuance, with a fine of 200,000 yuan. The combined sentence totals 16 years and 6 months, with a cumulative fine of 2.7 million yuan.

Investigations revealed that from 2013 to 2023, Li abused his positions—including as Vice President of Hubei Bank and later as Chairman of BANK OF GUIZHOU—to assist certain entities and individuals in securing loans, accepting bribes worth over 43.1 million yuan (partially unconsummated). Between 2018 and 2020, he illegally approved loans totaling 304 million yuan for unqualified enterprises, causing severe financial losses.

The court acknowledged mitigating factors, such as partial restitution and attempted bribery, in reducing his sentence. All illicit gains and interest were confiscated, with outstanding amounts to be recovered.