Taipei Prosecutor's Clerk Indicted for Illegally Photographing and Storing Victims' Sexual Images

(Taipei, June 18 — Reporter Lin Chang-shun) A clerk surnamed Li at the Taipei District Prosecutors Office is suspected of exploiting his role in handling investigation files to photograph, using his mobile phone, sexual images of victims obtained through illegal filming, as well as photos of sex workers seized by police. He stored these images for personal viewing. The Taipei Prosecutors Office today indicted Li on charges of violating the Personal Data Protection Act and breaching confidentiality as a public official.

According to the investigation, Li began serving as a clerk at the Taipei Prosecutors Office on January 31, 2023, and was assigned to record-keeping duties in the investigation division starting February 13 of the same year. Between March 19 and July 23, 2024, Li photographed eight times—using his mobile phone—documents such as reports, transcripts, and seized photos included in materials submitted by police. He then sent these files or images via the LINE messaging app to other clerks, making flippant or inappropriate remarks about the content.

Between September 6, 2024, and May 26, 2025 (seven instances), Li used his access to investigation files to photograph documents including case management system records, suspect statements, digital evidence system data, criminal complaints, and official correspondence. He transmitted these via LINE to other clerks while making mocking or inappropriate comments.

Most seriously, between August 16, 2024, and January 13, 2025 (nine instances), Li used his position to photograph sexual images of victims from ongoing cases—images obtained through illegal filming—as well as photos of sex workers seized by police. He duplicated these into his mobile phone’s photo album, thereby illegally collecting and storing personal data related to victims’ physical characteristics for his own viewing.

On May 19, 2025, the Taipei Prosecutors Office learned of Li’s suspected act of photographing and transmitting confidential investigation materials. Upholding the principles of zero tolerance, self-inspection, and strict accountability, the office swiftly initiated an administrative investigation the following day. On May 21, it proactively opened a special case (labeled as a 'miscellaneous case') and assigned Chief Prosecutor Chang Ching-hsun to lead the investigation via prosecutors’ affairs officers.

After evidence collection, the prosecutors applied for and obtained a search warrant from the Taipei District Court on May 27. On June 1, authorities searched Li’s residence and workplace. After interrogation, prosecutors determined Li is suspected of violating the Personal Data Protection Act (illegal collection and use of personal data) and the Criminal Code (public officials leaking secrets other than national defense information). He was released on a bail of NT$100,000 and reassigned from his duties. The prosecutors formally indicted Li today and will convene a performance review meeting this afternoon to pursue administrative accountability.

The Taipei Prosecutors Office stated that Li, as a clerk, violated professional discipline and committed crimes despite knowing the law—an unacceptable act. Considering Li has no prior criminal record and has fully confessed with sincere remorse, prosecutors have requested the court impose an appropriate sentence. (Edited by Lin Shu-hui) 1150618