Solar executive Zhu Guoxin pleads guilty to bribery attempt

Zhu Guoxin, a 40-year-old Chinese solar energy executive, has pleaded guilty to attempting to bribe a Clean Energy Council manager in Brisbane. The bribery attempt involved hiding $20,000 inside a bag of tea, which Zhu described as a “cultural gift” during a meeting in Camp Hill on July 9.

The attempt was made to expedite the approval of five applications for Growatt New Energy products to receive clean energy subsidies. The manager discovered the cash upon returning home and reported the incident. Zhu was arrested at Sydney International Airport on July 24 and subsequently extradited to Queensland.

During his sentencing at the Brisbane Magistrates Court, prosecutor Bimal Raut described the conduct as “serious” and “planned.” Zhu’s defense barrister stated that his client was “viscerally ashamed” and acknowledged that his actions, while perhaps acceptable in other contexts, were not appropriate in Australia. Zhu will be allowed to return to China upon his release.