Legislator Chen Hsueh-sheng released on $2M bail over alleged fraud of assistant fees; DPP caucus leader laments 'He is a good person,' calls for judicial fairness

KMT legislator Chen Hsueh-sheng is suspected of fraudulently claiming Legislative Yuan assistant fees by using relatives as nominee assistants and receiving sponsorships from private companies to pay salaries for personal assistants. On the 24th, the Taipei District Prosecutors Office, directing the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau, launched a large-scale raid across 35 locations, including Chen's residence, his congressional research office, and Jin Xin Maritime Company, operated by the family of former Kinmen County Magistrate Yang Chen-wu. A total of 27 people, including Chen and his brother Chen Hsueh-huai, were summoned for questioning.

After an overnight interrogation, prosecutors at the Taipei District Prosecutors Office determined that Chen's suspicion was substantial and ordered him released on NT$2 million bail, with restrictions on leaving the country. Businessperson Huang Yu-ju was released on NT$1 million bail, also with travel restrictions. The remaining individuals were released on bail ranging from NT$20,000 to NT$500,000.

DPP Legislative Caucus Director Chuang Jui-hsiung, Secretary-General Chen Pei-yu, and legislator Chung Chia-pin held a joint press conference on the 25th. Regarding Chen's release on bail, Chuang expressed sorrow, stating that while he heard Chen was released on NT$2 million bail, he personally regarded Chen as 'a good person with good relationships.' However, since the case has entered the judicial process, the DPP caucus maintains a consistent stance: fully respecting the investigative authority of judicial agencies and upholding the principle of 'no wrongful conviction, no leniency.'

Chuang further emphasized that the DPP applies the same standard to legal cases involving any political party, consistently respecting the investigative powers of judicial authorities and hoping for fair and thorough investigations. He noted that media reports have long highlighted controversies surrounding assistant fees in the Legislative Yuan. Recalling the previous amendment to the Legislative Yuan Organization Act, he pointed out that clauses related to assistant fees were criticized as attempts to decriminalize misconduct—so much so that even the Premier did not co-sign—demonstrating the severity of the issue.

Chuang stressed that while the DPP refrains from commenting on individual judicial investigations, the Legislative Yuan must enforce self-discipline. He emphasized that all individuals have the legal right to present evidence to refute allegations, and that investigations should not be based solely on prosecutors' statements. The truth, he said, must be clarified through the judicial process.