New Taipei Fire Department Officials Suspected of Bribery, Favoring Companies; 7 Detained, Former Director's Residence Searched

(CNA, reporter Cao Yayan, New Taipei, July 8) It is reported that public officials in the New Taipei City Fire Department are suspected of accepting bribes and favoring companies during the bidding process. The New Taipei District Prosecutors Office today dispatched 24 teams to search the office and residence of former Fire Department Director Huang Deqing, as well as the New Taipei Fire Department and other locations. Seven individuals, including a commissioner, case handlers, and company representatives, were detained.

It is understood that public officials in the New Taipei City Fire Department are suspected of accepting bribes and protecting specific companies to win bids for procurement projects such as fire trucks, a practice that has allegedly continued for about ten years.

The New Taipei District Prosecutors Office, under the command of the Investigation Bureau, New Taipei City Investigation Office, launched searches this morning. Teams went to the office and residence of Huang Deqing, currently a counselor at the New Taipei City Government, to clarify the case details, but Huang Deqing was not summoned for questioning.

The New Taipei Fire Department was also searched simultaneously. Investigators detained Shang Shaohua, a commissioner at the Fire Department; Xiao Baihuan, captain of the First Disaster Response and Rescue Brigade responsible for related duties; clerk Chen and his spouse; clerk Zhang; a supervisor surnamed Lin from a company, and another individual suspected of bribery, totaling seven people. They are expected to be transferred to the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office for further questioning later. The case is being investigated under the Anti-Corruption Act. (Editor: Lin Shuhui) 1150708

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