Central News Agency Report

(CNA reporter Hsieh Chun-lin, Taipei, June 25) A 76-year-old man surnamed Tseng applied to the Taipei City Funeral Services Office for repairs to his deceased father's grave located in Yangmingshan Public Cemetery, but the request was rejected due to the grave being classified as an illegal burial.

In an attempt to get the application approved, Tseng offered NT$60,000 in cash to a department head at the office, but the official immediately refused and reported the incident. The official, surnamed Li, also serves as a liaison between the Taipei City Council and city agencies.

The case was later reported to authorities and investigated by the Anti-Corruption Agency, leading to Tseng's referral to Taipei District Prosecutors' Office on suspicion of offering a bribe to a public official for an unlawful act.

In October of last year, prosecutors decided on a deferred prosecution for one year, requiring Tseng to pay NT$500,000 to the public treasury. However, due to financial hardship, Tseng was unable to make the payment, prompting prosecutors to revoke the deferred prosecution and formally indict him today on corruption charges.

According to the indictment, Tseng met with the Li official in a reception room at the city council building and attempted to hand over an envelope containing NT$60,000. The official rejected the bribe on the spot, stating that repairs were not permitted under current regulations.

Prosecutors considered Tseng’s admission of guilt, expression of remorse, and lack of prior criminal record when initially granting deferred prosecution. However, failure to fulfill the financial condition led to the indictment.

(Edited by Chang Ming-kun) 1150625

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  • Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
  • Category: Taiwan