On October 28, 2025, the Binzhou Intermediate People's Court in Shandong Province publicly announced the first-instance verdict in the bribery case of Cao Xingxin, former Party Leadership Group member and deputy general manager of China United Network Communications Group Co., Ltd. (China Unicom). Cao was sentenced to 12 years in prison for accepting bribes and fined 2 million yuan. Additionally, all illicit gains and interest derived from the bribes were confiscated and turned over to the state treasury.

The court found that between 2005 and 2024, Cao Xingxin exploited his positions—including deputy inspector and deputy director of the Fourth Bureau of Cadres at the Central Organization Department, deputy director and inspector of the Civil Service Management Office, inspector and deputy director of the Third Bureau of Civil Service, and Party Leadership Group member and deputy general manager of China Unicom—to provide favors in project contracts, job transfers, and promotions. He directly or indirectly accepted bribes totaling approximately 26.75 million yuan.

The court determined that Cao's actions constituted bribery on an especially large scale, warranting severe punishment. However, mitigating factors—such as partial voluntary confession, remorse, full restitution of illicit gains, and cooperation with investigators—led to a reduced sentence.

The case was publicly heard on August 1, 2025, with prosecutors presenting evidence and both defense and prosecution presenting arguments. Cao made a final statement expressing remorse. Over 30 observers, including lawmakers and members of the public, attended the trial.