Taipei Official's Account Suddenly Shows NT$730,000 Deposit! Not a Bribe — Anti-Corruption Agency Uncovers Rare Truth

Zhu Chen-tso, Section Chief of the Traffic Management Division at the Taipei City Government's Department of Transportation, was referred to prosecutors by the Anti-Corruption Agency over suspicions of bribery after a large, unexplained sum appeared in his personal bank account. However, after a thorough investigation, Taipei prosecutors discovered that the seemingly suspicious transaction was actually the result of a compassionate act: Zhu had used his own savings to cover medical expenses for two victims injured in a collapsing bus shelter. After reviewing promissory notes and supporting documents, prosecutors confirmed the funds were legitimate repayments, not bribes, and formally dropped all charges on the 5th, fully exonerating the civil servant.

The incident traces back to June 27, 2019, when a bus shelter at the Fangji Middle School stop in Neihu District, Taipei, suddenly collapsed after heavy rain. Two women waiting for a bus—Ms. Wang, 50, and Ms. Hsieh, 59—were struck by the metal structure, weighing several hundred kilograms, and suffered severe comminuted fractures in both legs. Subsequent inspections revealed the shelter’s foundation was only 60 centimeters deep—half the required standard of 120 centimeters. The Taipei City Government pledged full support for the victims to file claims for state compensation.

At the time, Zhu was working in the Comprehensive Planning Division of the Taipei Public Transport Office and was assigned to handle the state compensation case. Aware that the administrative review process for state compensation is complex and time-consuming, and that funds could take months or even years to be disbursed, Zhu recognized the urgent need for medical and rehabilitation funds. To help the victims through this crisis, he not only applied for emergency reserve funds but also used his personal savings to cover their medical bills. Based on mutual trust, Zhu, Ms. Wang, and Ms. Hsieh signed promissory notes agreeing that the amounts would be repaid once the city’s compensation was approved and disbursed.

In August 2020, the Taipei City Government completed the state compensation review, approving NT$5.8 million for Ms. Wang and NT$2.1 million for Ms. Hsieh. After receiving their compensation, both women honored their commitment, transferring NT$166,866 and NT$472,605 respectively back to Zhu’s designated account—totaling over NT$730,000.

However, in 2026, during a routine audit, the Anti-Corruption Agency noticed the unusually large deposit in Zhu’s account, which had since been transferred to the Traffic Management Division. Given the amount and its timing relative to the compensation case, authorities suspected Zhu had accepted bribes in exchange for favorable treatment. The case was escalated to Taipei prosecutors, who launched an investigation, including searches and interviews.

During questioning, both victims vehemently denied any wrongdoing. They explained to prosecutors that Zhu had kindly advanced their medical costs when the compensation process stalled, and their repayment was a matter of integrity, not bribery. Taipei prosecutors then reviewed the original promissory notes, bank transfer records, and official compensation documents. All evidence corroborated their statements. The prosecutors concluded that the deposit was purely a reimbursement for expenses advanced out of compassion, not an act of corruption. As a result, Zhu and the two victims were formally cleared of all charges, restoring the civil servant’s reputation.