Taipei prosecutors today recommended a prison sentence of at least 12 years and six months for independent Legislator May Chin. They concluded a sweeping corruption indictment against the long-serving lawmaker. The Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office charged Chin with embezzling more than NT$7.87 million (US$249,272) in fraudulent assistant salaries and subsidies. Additionally, the corruption indictment covers her alleged illegal import of COVID-19 rapid test kits during the pandemic.
Investigators accuse Chin of orchestrating a scheme to claim public funds for legislative assistants. Some never worked for her. Others remained on the payroll despite long absences. Moreover, some individuals received substantially less than what she reported to the legislature. Consequently, the indictment states that Chin instructed her office director and aides to falsely register people as assistants. She then used the funds for family and personal expenses.
In a separate case, prosecutors alleged that Chin directed others to import and distribute COVID-19 test kits. This violated the Medical Devices Act. As a result, the corruption indictment includes charges under the Anti-Corruption Act, fraud, and illegal import of medical devices.
The investigation intensified in February when agents from the Investigation Bureau raided Chin’s residence and legislative office. They then summoned her and 16 others for questioning. After the raid, a court released her on bail of NT$1 million. Nevertheless, prosecutors argued that Chin repeatedly abused her elected position. She harmed public interests and damaged the legislature’s integrity. They noted she denied portions of the allegations and showed little remorse. This led them to recommend a lengthy sentence.
About 24 other defendants also appeared in today’s indictment. Former legislative office director and aide Chang Chun-chieh is currently in detention. He faces a recommended minimum sentence of 16 years. The corruption indictment marks a significant blow to a lawmaker who has served in the legislature since 2008. The case now moves to the courts, where Chin will face trial on all charges.
