Wu Nai-jen Owes $170M, Released After 12 Days—It Was the 'Lawyer' Who Let Him Go! Taisugar's Bizarre Logic: 'We Can't Collect Money If He's Locked Up' — Legislators Stunned, Slam Decision as 'Absurd'

Wu Nai-jen, a senior figure in the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) New Tide faction and former chairman of Taiwan Sugar Corporation (Taisugar), was detained on June 11 after being found liable for selling Taisugar land at undervalued prices, resulting in over NT$170 million in unpaid debts. However, just 12 days later, Taisugar withdrew its petition, leading to Wu's release. On October 10, the Legislative Yuan's Economic Committee invited Taisugar to testify. Taisugar confirmed that the decision was made by its appointed agent, Tang Rui-ke, a lawyer with over 30 years of experience, who agreed in court to withdraw the detention motion. The reason given was to facilitate direct negotiations with Wu to establish a more viable repayment plan. In response, Taiwan People's Party legislator Hung Yu-hsiang bluntly stated, 'This is utterly absurd.'

Taisugar Vice President Tsai Dong-lin attended the Economic Committee session alongside Economic Affairs Minister Kung Ming-hsin, presenting a special report titled 'Review of Taisugar's Operational Governance and Risk Management' and answering questions. Tsai stated that the repayment terms proposed by Wu's side were unacceptable to Taisugar.

KMT legislator Wang Hung-wei expressed dissatisfaction, questioning why Taisugar continues to negotiate leniently with Wu instead of immediately reapplying for detention, warning that failure to do so would constitute dereliction of duty. According to her, during a July negotiation, Wu's side proposed a repayment plan of NT$50,000 per month. When asked if this was accurate, Hsiao Chi-yuan responded that the actual situation 'does not quite match.' As for the details of Wu's repayment plan, he stated that since negotiations are still ongoing, specific terms cannot be disclosed at this time.

Wang pointed out that if Wu repays only NT$50,000 per month, it would take over 300 years to repay the NT$170 million debt—without interest. Given that Wu is already 79 years old, he would have to live until age 379. She criticized Wu's repayment proposal as 'lacking sincerity.'

During his report, Minister Kung Ming-hsin explained that Taisugar conducts annual investigations into debtors' assets and income. The previous detention application was intended to pressure the debtor into repayment. However, since the debtor's lawyer promised in court to submit a repayment plan and negotiate with Taisugar, and considering the original purpose of detention was to encourage the debtor to come forward, Taisugar temporarily withdrew the application when questioned by the judge. The company stated it would reapply for detention if the debtor fails to engage in negotiations.

Taisugar Vice President Tsai Dong-lin (left) and Economic Affairs Minister Kung Ming-hsin attend the Legislative Yuan Economic Committee session. (Photo by Chen Pin-you)

When legislator Hung Yu-hsiang questioned how much Wu has repaid so far and who authorized the withdrawal of detention, Tsai responded that the amount remains NT$7.5 million. Regarding the withdrawal, he explained it was agreed upon in court by the appointed lawyer after being questioned by the judge, and Taisugar had granted the lawyer 'full authority.' Hung responded with frustration, calling the situation 'absurd.'

Taisugar explained that the purpose of detention is to encourage debt repayment. 'We considered that if he remains locked up, we still can't collect the money if he refuses to negotiate,' the company stated, adding that negotiations are still ongoing.

Additional exclusive reports from Feng Media: · Wu Nai-jen released after just 12 days of detention! Kao Chia-yu finally speaks out—mocked for 'criticizing the New Tide,' she fires back with three words · Wu Nai-jen exempted from detention due to 'inability to care for himself'—but spotted at gym immediately? Ko Wen-je mocks: 'How can I compete with Lai Qing-de's godfather?' · Wu Nai-jen claims 'Parkinson’s disease' yet seen arriving at gym in luxury car? Media figures predict: 'Public anger will rise'—DPP doomed in year-end elections