Former Chinese justice minister Fu Zhenghua, who oversaw multiple anti-corruption campaigns, has been imprisoned for accepting bribes.

In July, Fu pled guilty to taking gifts and money totaling 117 million yuan ($14.7m; $16.5m).

In two years, his death sentence would be converted to a life term, according to Chinese media.

His conviction comes amid a sharp crackdown on officials preceding next month’s crucial Communist Party meeting.

The event is held every five years by China’s ruling party, and this time President Xi Jinping is anticipated to be granted a historic third term and solidify his grasp on power.

Fu’s imprisonment followed this week’s sentencing of three former police chiefs. All four men are accused of both corruption and disloyalty against Mr. Xi.

They are all accused of belonging to a corrupt political circle led by another former security official, Sun Lijun, who is presently awaiting sentencing.

Fu served as China’s justice minister from 2018 to 2020, having risen through the ranks from police officer to deputy head of the Ministry of Public Security.

He oversaw several high-profile investigations of corrupt politicians, including the investigation that brought down Zhou Yongkang, one of the most influential officials convicted of bribery in recent years.

In October of 2012, the internal watchdog of the party stated that it was investigating Fu for “severe violations of discipline and national laws.”

He was fired from public service and subsequently expelled from the Community Party in March of this year. A month later, he was arrested on corruption accusations.

Prosecutors asserted that he abused his position of authority to profit himself and others through business contracts, official positions, and even court proceedings.