Former Nuclear Plant No. 2 Director Investigated for Bribery; Prosecutors Search 28 Locations and Interview 9 Individuals

According to reports from Central News Agency, Tseng Wen-huang, the former director of Taiwan Power Company's (Taipower) Nuclear Plant No. 2, was indicted last year by the Taipei District Prosecutors Office on charges of corruption for allegedly accepting bribes. Further investigations have now uncovered suspicions of bribery involving public officials in four additional procurement cases at the plant.

Today, the Taipei District Prosecutors Office, in coordination with the Anti-Corruption Agency, conducted search operations across 28 locations and summoned nine individuals—including Tseng and the plant’s deputy director, Mr. Chen—for questioning.

The investigation revealed that Tseng, who served as director starting January 1, 2024, met with a contractor surnamed Tsao in February 2024 regarding the procurement project for the 'Decommissioning Center Incinerator Control System Upgrade.' Tseng allegedly demanded a bribe of NT$2 million to facilitate approval, which the contractor agreed to.

On June 13, 2024, the two met again. The contractor requested a reduction in the bribe amount, and Tseng agreed to lower it to NT$1.6 million. After the project was completed and final payment received, the contractor withdrew NT$1.9 million and delivered NT$1.6 million in a manila envelope to Tseng’s residence in Keelung in August 2024. Tseng concealed the money in a ceiling cavity at his home.

In a separate procurement case in June 2023 for a 'SCADA Host for the Incinerator at the Decommissioning Center,' the same contractor was awarded the contract. On June 19, 2023, Tseng summoned the contractor to his office and stated, 'I want NT$200,000 for this one.' After the project was approved and paid, the contractor delivered NT$200,000 to Tseng in January 2024. This money was also hidden in the ceiling cavity.

Additionally, in April 2024, during the procurement process for 'Automated Wet Abrasive Decontamination Equipment,' Tseng informed another contractor, Mr. Hao, that a budget of NT$7 million had been secured and asked for his 'assistance.' Mr. Hao understood this as a bribe request and agreed to take on the project. After successful completion, he delivered NT$200,000 twice—once in March and once in April 2024—to Tseng at the plant’s office.

The Taipei District Prosecutors Office had already indicted Tseng and others in August 2023 under the Anti-Corruption Act for accepting bribes in official duties. Further investigations have now revealed suspicions of bribery in four additional procurement cases between 2018 and 2019.

Today’s operation, conducted under court-issued search warrants, targeted 28 locations, including residences and offices of Tseng, Deputy Director Chen, and other personnel. Nine individuals—including three plant staff and four contractors—were summoned. The case is currently under investigation under the Anti-Corruption Act. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun)