Ji Jianye stands trial in the Yantai Intermediate People's Court in Shandong Province, Jan 16, 2015. [Photo/weibo.com]

The former mayor of Nanjing, Jiangsu province was sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Yantai Intermediate People's Court in Shandong province on Tuesday for taking bribes.

According to the court, Ji Jianye, received 11.32 million yuan ($1.8 million) between 1999 and 2012 directly or through relatives and friends, from seven people and organizations in exchange for help in obtaining construction project contracts and job transfers.

In October 2013, Ji was taken away by Discipline Inspection Department officials, becoming the first provincial-level official to face anti-graft investigation in Jiangsu.

He also had 2 million yuan confiscated.

Ji's wife, some mistresses, a driver and some real estate developers who had close relationships with Ji have also been taken for investigation.