Kaohsiung: Prosecutors have requested court approval to detain five individuals working for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Lin Dai-hua, as investigations into two cases allegedly involving her continue.
According to Focus Taiwan, the detention request followed a series of raids conducted by prosecutors on Lin's offices and the residences of her staffers. The individuals in question include the directors of Lin's offices in the Linyuan and Daliao districts, surnamed Chou and Lin, along with three other staff members. These actions are part of an ongoing investigation into potential violations of the Anti-Corruption Act.
The decision to seek detention was made after Lin Dai-hua was interrogated by prosecutors. Although the DPP lawmaker was permitted to return home after the questioning, concerns surrounding her involvement continue. Lin has announced her candidacy for the DPP's primary election in the Kaohsiung mayoral race and is under scrutiny for allegedly filing fraudulent claims regarding assistants' salaries.
On February 21, Lin was released on NT$1 million bail by the Taiwan Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office. As part of her release conditions, she is prohibited from leaving the country or traveling by boat and must reside at her current address or another location designated by the court.
Currently, four other individuals allegedly connected to the case are detained and held incommunicado. These individuals include Lin's younger brother and his wife, an accountant named Huang, and a local temple leader identified as Shih Huang-chih. Prosecutors are considering whether to request an extension of their detention period, which is due to expire soon.
Additionally, Lin is under investigation for abuse of power related to alleged activities that may pose a conflict of interest given her position as a public servant.