Police Internal Turmoil! Criminal Investigation Bureau Visits Creator of 'Oil Not You' — Police Official on SOP: 'Unless It’s Beyond Police Control,' Such Hasty Action Would Not Occur

Just one day after the release of the satire video 'Oil Not You,' police visited the home of its creator, Wei Chun-yu, escalating the situation rapidly. Outside observers have questioned whether this series of events constitutes a form of 'white terror,' and even within the police force, criticism has emerged over the Criminal Investigation Bureau’s direct involvement. Officers argue that the response was both unprofessional and premature, damaging the image of police as protectors of the people.

The 'Oil Not You' video was uploaded on July 24, 2026. After receiving a report, the Criminal Investigation Bureau visited Wei Chun-yu’s home on July 25 and completed the deepfake verification by July 27. In contrast, the bureau previously took nearly a month to analyze a video allegedly showing Zheng Wen-tsai staying in a Macau hotel. Unless there has been a sudden, dramatic leap in the police’s deepfake analysis capabilities, it is likely that high-level pressure pushed the bureau into such rapid action.

It is understood that during last year’s mass recall campaign, the 'Principal Lai' video went viral, amusing the public but displeasing senior government officials. It is possible that due to this precedent, the moment the 'Oil Not You' video was released—on a publicly accessible political satire page, clearly labeled as AI-generated content by 'Ben Bing Pi' with a disclaimer stating it is an AI video—police immediately responded. Notably, it was not a local precinct officer but the elite Criminal Investigation Bureau, known for its high investigative standards, that made the visit.

The bureau’s visit to the creator’s home has not only drawn external criticism accusing the government of 'white terror' under Lai Qing-te’s administration but has also caused an uproar within the police force. One police official stated that police traditionally focus on public order rather than national security. Even when the National Security Council or National Security Bureau requests police assistance in national security matters, police generally avoid involvement. Cases involving Chinese spies are rarely handled by police and are mostly left to the Investigation Bureau. While the Investigation Bureau takes the spotlight in such cases, police typically remain indifferent.

Yet, the Criminal Investigation Bureau’s proactive move to visit the individual’s home has led some within the force to believe the bureau acted too hastily, disrupting standard police procedures. A police official noted that the 'Oil Not You' video touches on freedom of speech and sensitive political issues, so a thorough evidence collection should have preceded any action. Moreover, for caution, the case should have been referred to prosecutors for command and control, allowing them to decide whether to proceed. Handing the decision to prosecutors serves as a form of insurance, preventing police from bearing full responsibility.

However, the police official added that while this is standard SOP, exceptions apply when the situation is 'beyond police control.'