 He became Party Secretary of Zunyi in July 2012, which eventually earned him a seat on the provincial party Standing Committee, making Liao one of the province's highest-ranked officials.Liao was abruptly removed from office in October 2013, and was subject to a corruption investigation by the party's internal disciplinary body.Liao was convicted on charges of abuse of power and bribery, and sentenced to 16 years in prison.