Taiwan prosecutors probe thousands of vote-buying cases ahead of local elections

In the run-up to Taiwan's nine-in-one local elections, the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office reported that 2,302 vote-buying tips have been filed, covering 2,593 people and accounting for about 35.9% of all election-related crimes. Investigations have uncovered a range of illicit tactics, from cash handouts and banquet invitations to gift-box distributions and the exploitation of charitable foundations. Notable cases involve Sioulin Township mayor Wang Mei-kuei and her husband Hu Chih-min, who allegedly offered free meals and cash gifts; a Taichung council candidate Cheng accused of using an intermediary to deliver gift boxes; Changhua County Council speaker Hsieh Dien-lin suspected of using council funds for banquets; and Kaohsiung candidate Chang Chi-cheng alleged to have provided pastries and falsified fishing-qualification documents.

The suspects have been detained or barred from receiving visitors, and courts have upheld detention orders in several instances. Prosecutors emphasized that investigations will be conducted without political bias, respecting human rights and electoral fairness.