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進入《TAIPEI TIMES》 Legislator May Chin charged with corruption, fraud
Independent Legislator May Chin speaks to reporters in Taipei on Feb. 13 after being released on bail. Photo: CNA
By Liu Yung-yun and Hollie Younger / Staff reporter, with staff writer
Prosecutors yesterday sought a prison sentence of at least 12 years and six months for independent Legislator May Chin （高金素梅）, who was indicted on suspicion of embezzling more than NT$7.87 million （US$249,208） in fraudulent assistant salaries and subsidies, and illegally importing medical devices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office yesterday concluded its investigation, indicting Chin on charges including offenses under the Anti-Corruption Act （貪污治罪條例）, fraud under the Criminal Code and illegal import of medical devices under the Medical Devices Act （醫療器材管理法）.
Under the direction of Taipei prosecutors, the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau raided the lawmaker’s residence and legislative office in February, then summoned her and 16 others for questioning.
She was subsequently released on bail of NT$1 million.
Chin, who has served in the legislature since 2008, allegedly hired relatives and other people as aides to fraudulently claim publicly funded legislative assistant salaries and related subsidies, the indictment said.
Some of those listed as aides never worked as legislative assistants, but remained on the payroll despite long periods of absence or were paid substantially less than was reported to the legislature, it said.
Chin instructed her legislative office director and other aides to falsely register the people as assistants, and used public funds to cover family expenses and other personal expenditures, it added.
In a separate case, prosecutors alleged that Chin instructed others to import and distribute COVID-19 rapid test kits. Chin repeatedly abused her position as an elected representative, harming public interests and damaging the integrity of the legislature, they said.
She has denied portions of the allegations and shown little remorse, they added, recommending a lengthy sentence.
About 24 other defendants were also listed in yesterday’s indictment, including Chin’s former legislative office director and aide Chang Chun-chieh （張俊傑）, who is in detention. Prosecutors recommended a minimum sentence of 16 years for Chang.
Chin said she would continue to defend the rights of indigenous peoples, hold the government accountable, keep a close eye on public funds and safeguard peace.
“The dark night will surely end, and we will all be night watchmen, torches in hand, waiting for the dawn,” she wrote on Facebook.
Additional reporting by Lin Hsin-han
新聞來源：TAIPEI TIMES
