Corruption Charges Against Technician at Xinyi Township Office
In a shocking turn of events, a technician at the Xinyi Township Office in Nantou County, Taiwan, has been charged with corruption. The technician, surnamed Liao, allegedly accepted bribes totaling NT$203,000 from contractors. The case has been brought to light by the Taichung District Prosecutors’ Office, which has filed charges against Liao for corruption. In a recent development, the Taichung District Court has ruled that Liao can be released on bail of NT$300,000.
Details of the Case
Liao, a 52-year-old man, has been employed at the Xinyi Township Office since 2012. During his time at the office, he was responsible for handling procurement matters related to small-scale construction projects. It is alleged that Liao accepted bribes ranging from NT$3,000 to NT$5,000 per project from contractors Chen and Huang. In total, Liao is accused of receiving kickbacks from 66 small-scale construction projects, amounting to NT$203,000.
The Taichung District Prosecutors’ Office launched an investigation into the matter after receiving reports of Liao’s corrupt actions. Subsequently, Liao, along with contractors Chen and Huang, were brought before the court on charges of corruption. While Liao was granted bail and restricted from leaving the country, Chen was released pending further investigation.
Legal Proceedings and Outcome
The investigation revealed that Liao had exploited his position in the construction department of the township office to solicit bribes from contractors. Chen and Huang, the contractors involved, paid the bribes to ensure smooth processing of their projects and avoid any complications during inspections and payment procedures. Liao’s confession during the investigation led to the recovery of the illicit funds, and both Chen and Huang admitted to their involvement in the bribery scheme.
Following the conclusion of the investigation, Liao was formally charged with corruption, while Chen and Huang were charged with facilitating bribery. Chen’s cooperation with the authorities was noted, leading the prosecutor to request leniency in his sentencing. The Taichung District Court has decided to release Liao on bail, pending further legal proceedings, while Chen has been allowed to return home.
As the case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of corruption in various sectors and the importance of upholding integrity and transparency in public offices.