Former Director of Nuclear Power Plant No. 2 and two others detained in bribery case

Taipei, June 18 (CNA) Former director of Taiwan Power Company's (Taipower) Nuclear Power Plant No. 2, Tseng Wen-huang, was indicted for alleged bribery. The Taipei District Prosecutors Office has since uncovered suspicions of public officials accepting bribes in four procurement cases at the plant. Yesterday, Tseng and eight others were summoned for questioning, with prosecutors seeking detention and restrictions on communication for Tseng, the current deputy director surnamed Chen, and a section chief surnamed Chu. The Taipei District Court today approved the detention and communication restrictions for the three.

The Taipei District Prosecutors Office's investigation revealed that while Tseng served as director of Nuclear Power Plant No. 2, he allegedly received bribes totaling NT$1.6 million and NT$200,000 from a contractor surnamed Tsao during procurement processes in 2024. Additionally, during another procurement process in April 2024, he allegedly received NT$400,000 from a contractor surnamed Hao. The Taipei District Prosecutors Office has indicted Tseng and others on charges including corruption, and the case is currently being heard by the Taipei District Court.

The Taipei District Prosecutors Office further discovered that four other procurement cases at Nuclear Power Plant No. 2 between 2018 and 2019 are suspected of involving bribery by personnel. On the 17th, the office directed the Agency for Investigation and Integrity to search the residences and offices of Tseng, the deputy director surnamed Chen, the section chief surnamed Chu, a manager surnamed Liu, a section chief surnamed Sung, and four contractors, totaling 28 locations. Nine individuals, including Tseng, Chen, Chu, Liu, Sung, and the four contractors, were summoned for questioning.

After overnight interrogations, prosecutors determined that Tseng, Chen, and Chu are suspected of committing serious offenses under the Anti-Corruption Act, including accepting bribes for official duties, and that there is a risk of collusion. The court approved their detention and communication restrictions. Liu and Sung were granted bail of NT$500,000 and NT$300,000 respectively, with restrictions on leaving the country and sea.

Taipower stated that it is closely communicating and cooperating with judicial and investigative authorities. The company will uphold the principles of "no injustice, no favoritism" and "no cover-ups" and fully cooperate with the investigation by judicial authorities. As the case has entered the judicial process, if the allegations are confirmed, Taipower will strictly punish those involved in accordance with regulations. (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 0618

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