Prosecutors raid facility on suspicion of buying votes with Chinese money

TAIPEI, Nov. 24 (CNA) Prosecutors in Taipei on Thursday raided the homes and offices of three people named Pan under the provisions of the Anti-Infiltration Act, using alleged Chinese funds. I looked for evidence of my vote purchases. The first such search ahead of Saturday’s local elections since the law came into effect on his Jan. 15, 2020.

Prosecutors and Bureau of Investigation investigators said in the first search warrant issued under the law that the suspects had bought votes on the orders of their Chinese backers, Mr. Pang and another two We searched four locations owned by Mr.

The three are being questioned by investigators to determine the source of money allegedly used to buy votes for certain candidates in Taipei in upcoming local elections, prosecutors said.

This is the second time in two weeks that Pang’s property has been raided.

On November 11, investigators searched the homes and offices of Pan, a man surnamed Zhou (Zhou), and five other colleagues. September and October he violated the Civil Service Election and Recall Act.

After a search, Chou and Pan were released on bail of NT$100,000 and the other five defendants were barred from leaving the country.

Zhou, who was the leader of a local political party, initially refused to post bail and was placed in isolation at the request of prosecutors, but later posted bail of NT$50,000 and was released after a hearing at the Taipei District Court. rice field.

Evidence seized during the Nov. 11 raid suggests that Pan was a middleman who provided Chinese money to certain candidates and directed unnamed political parties to use China-linked funds to campaign. prosecutors said.

According to the Anti-Infiltration Act, it is illegal to act under the direction or funding of a hostile “infiltration source,” including engaging in campaigns or lobbying or accepting illegal political contributions. increase.

While these activities are already defined as illegal under other relevant laws, the Anti-Intrusion Act provides for penalties for individuals who violate these laws at the request or financial assistance of an “intruder”. I’m here.

Those who violate the law can be sentenced to imprisonment for up to 5 years and a fine of up to NT$10 million.