Corruption Case Involving Lin Zimiao: Tax Bureau Director Lu Tianlong Sentenced to 5 Years and 10 Months
In a groundbreaking ruling today, the first trial involving the corruption case of Lin Zimiao in Yilan County has seen significant developments. Out of the 15 defendants involved, including seven county officials, only the acting director of the Construction Department, Huang Zhiliang, was acquitted. The remaining six individuals were convicted of corruption-related charges, with sentences ranging from 3 years to the heaviest sentence of 5 years and 10 months handed to the Financial and Taxation Bureau Director Lu Tianlong, who will also be stripped of his civil rights for 5 years.
The Case Unfolds
The case revolved around allegations that Lin Zimiao, after the 2018 election, instructed the dismantling of her campaign headquarters on plot 98. Despite the landowner’s request for an extension to the temporary building permit, both Huang and the head of the Construction Management Department, Lin Zhiyang, knowingly violated regulations by advising the architect to extend the demolition deadline under false pretenses. This illegal extension allowed the temporary structure to remain until November 2019. However, the court found that there was no evidence linking Huang Zhiliang to these discussions and actions, leading to his acquittal.
The Verdict
Lu Tianlong, along with four other officials, was found guilty of corruption charges related to favoritism in supervisory affairs. Lu Tianlong received the harshest sentence of 5 years and 10 months, with his civil rights revoked for 5 years. The court determined that these officials, holding key positions, failed to uphold their duty impartially, thus undermining public trust and the integrity of civil servants. As a result, they were sentenced to 3 years and 6 months to 5 years and 10 months, with 3 to 5 years of civil rights deprivation.
Additional Convictions
Apart from the officials, non-governmental individuals were also implicated in the case. Former county councilor Liu Shichun and former director of the Yilan County Chamber of Commerce, Chen Zhengxun, were found guilty of colluding with officials in corrupt practices and received sentences of 3 years and 6 months and 3 years and 8 months, respectively, with a 3-year civil rights deprivation. Lin Xiqin, the head of a mining company, was sentenced to 4 months for document forgery, with a 2-year probation period. Lin Zimiao’s former assistant, Zhang Guiling, was sentenced to 1 year for money laundering.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of corruption and the importance of upholding integrity in public service. As the legal proceedings continue, the impact of these convictions reverberates through the local community, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in governance.
