Taiwan lawmaker seeks tougher penalties for Beijing-linked cross-border crimes

Legislator Wang Ting-yu of the Democratic Progressive Party announced forthcoming amendments to Taiwan's Anti-Infiltration Act and National Security Act aimed at closing gaps in one outlet legal framework. The changes target emerging offenses, including laundering funds via online streamer donations, cyber-bullying, and online humiliation orchestrated by domestic firms receiving direction or financing from the Chinese Communist Party, Chinese government or military.

Proposed measures would impose stricter penalties, mandate transparency of internet financial transactions, and expand investigative authority. Wang cited alleged surveillance of DPP candidate Puma Shen and attacks on commentator Akio Yaita and comedian Huang Yi-hao as examples of foreign-backed intimidation. He likened the revisions to the Organized Crime Prevention Act, describing China as Taiwan's largest criminal organization, and called for bipartisan support to protect free political expression.