Solar Panel Scandal Erupts: Former Navy General Allegedly Took Millions in Kickbacks to Favor Solar Tender, Prosecutors Seek Detention of 3

Another procurement scandal has emerged within Taiwan's military. A retired navy rear admiral surnamed Shi is suspected of using his position as commander of the Navy Zuoying Logistics Support Command to assist a specific photovoltaic company in winning a military solar panel tender worth approximately NT$50 million. Shi is alleged to have received over NT$1 million in illegal benefits in return. On the 20th, the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors' Office directed the Kaohsiung City Investigation Unit of the Investigation Bureau to conduct searches at multiple locations and summon over 10 individuals for questioning. After overnight interrogation, on the 21st, prosecutors applied to the Kaohsiung District Court for the pre-trial detention of Shi and two company executives on suspicion of violating the Anti-Corruption Act and other charges.

Shi previously served as commander of the Navy Zuoying Logistics Support Command, a key logistics base for the navy responsible for base defense in Zuoying and Cijin, ship maintenance, energy infrastructure upgrades, and logistical support for southern Taiwan and outlying island units. Prosecutors received intelligence indicating that, as part of the government's push for solar energy, solar panels were being installed on military bases across Taiwan. During his tenure, Shi allegedly used his authority to help a specific solar company win related tenders.

After receiving reports, the Kaohsiung City Investigation Unit reported to the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors' Office for investigation. On the 20th, prosecutors and investigators conducted simultaneous raids on Shi's residence and several photovoltaic companies, seizing documents and electronic records, and bringing in over 10 individuals, including company executives, for assistance in the investigation. After overnight interrogation, prosecutors determined that Shi, a Lin-surnamed executive, and a man surnamed Ouyang were suspected of corruption, bribery, and accepting bribes, and that detention was necessary to prevent flight or evidence tampering. They applied to the court for detention without visitation on the 21st.

Initial investigation findings indicate that Shi allegedly favored the company during the bidding process and received over NT$1 million in kickbacks. The decision-making process for the tender, whether other military or corporate personnel were involved, and the flow of illicit funds are still being thoroughly investigated. The case is currently being investigated under the Anti-Corruption Act, with further probes expected into other tenders and potentially higher-level personnel.