Taipei Prosecutors Raid KMT Legislator Chen Hsueh-sheng's Office; Legislative Yuan Responds

The congressional office of Kuomintang (KMT) legislator Chen Hsueh-sheng was searched today (24th) by Taiwan's Investigation Bureau on suspicion of violating the Anti-Corruption Act. The operation was led by Taipei District Prosecutors Office Chief Prosecutor Tseng Yang-ling. In response, the Legislative Yuan issued a statement saying, 'This morning, prosecutors conducted a search of a committee research room within the legislature. In accordance with legal procedures and past precedent, the prosecution notified the Legislative Yuan in advance, and our staff accompanied them throughout the operation. Due to the principle of non-disclosure during investigations, the Legislative Yuan has no knowledge of the specific details of the case.'

Chen is suspected of intervening in 2019 on behalf of Jin Xin Shipping, pressuring CPC Corporation (CPC) to terminate a contract, thereby helping Jin Xin avoid bearing alternative transportation costs. Last year, between June and July, prosecutors in Kaohsiung conducted multiple raids on Jin Xin Shipping's offices and interviewed several individuals involved and witnesses. Investigations into the flow of funds and quid pro quo arrangements are still ongoing. However, Chen has denied involvement, calling the magazine reports 'exaggerated.'

Chen's congressional office in Taipei was searched this morning, though the exact reason remains unclear. The Legislative Yuan reiterated its statement, emphasizing that the search was conducted legally and in line with precedent, with staff accompanying prosecutors after notification. Due to the confidentiality of ongoing investigations, the Legislative Yuan stated it has no knowledge of the case details.

Chuang Jui-hsiung, Secretary-General of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucus in the Legislative Yuan, said in an interview: 'Searching a legislative office is a very serious matter. Regardless of political party or rank, the DPP believes in neither wrongful conviction nor letting the guilty go free. Since this case is still under investigation, the DPP will refrain from making any comments at this time.'