As of Tuesday, former Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan (鄭文燦) is back in custody under suspicion of corruption during his service as Taoyuan mayor between 2014 and 2022. Cheng maintains that he is innocent, but has stepped down from his position as Chairman of the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) to avoid disrupting its operation.
Prosecutors who questioned Cheng suspect him of having accepted a bribe, leaked information to other suspects involved in the case, and laundered money. Although he was originally released on a NT$5 million (US$154,000) bail, the prosecutors successfully argued for the case to be reopened on these grounds. The High Court has revoked the Taoyuan District Court’s original decision and ordered another bail hearing.
The DPP’s integrity oversight committee convened on Monday evening to determine whether Cheng’s case should be filed in accordance with anti-corruption regulations. The committee stated that Cheng could be suspended from public office for three years; should further investigation find him guilty, Cheng might face more severe disciplinary action.
Speaking at the Legislature, Cabinet Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) emphasized that any illegal activities merit a full investigation, and that he and other government officials await the court’s results. Regarding the committee’s decision, he said they will honor the party’s established procedure. He expressed his hope that the investigation will be carried out smoothly so the public can receive further clarification on the case as soon as possible.
