After Macau's handover to the Chinese in 1999, responsibility for giving the green light to major projects was passed to new ministers.
Ao exploited this after taking up his transport and public works portfolio in 2003, and demanded bribes from contractors.
The biggest bribe - US$20.8 million (S$30 million) - came from Ho Meng Fai of San Meng Fai Engineering and Construction, which won the contract to build the StarWorld casino hotel.
Ao fast-tracked completion checks on the project despite official warnings of 'problems related to land-sinking', say court reports.
He kept meticulous records of his growing wealth in logbooks found in his bedroom.
He kept people close to the deals on his side with lavish gifts. These included two Tiffany diamond rings, an Omega watch and a gold necklace for a female legal consultant in his office.
Ho, who also faces charges and is a key witness, has jumped bail and did not testify.
Ao is also accused of laundering money overseas using a network of bank accounts to disguise the transactions, and of siphoning public money from Macau via a number of shell companies, including some in Hong Kong.
Officials traced the money to bank accounts in Hong Kong and London, including some in the name of Ao's relatives. Several of his family members, including his father and brother, are facing a range of money-laundering charges.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE