Xu Han Sentenced to 25 Years for Corruption and Detained for Fleeing; Appeal Rejected

Xu Han was captured on the evening of March 24 at the border of Jinfeng Township and Taimali Township in Taitung County. Prosecutors from the Ciaotou District Prosecutors Office immediately filed for his detention in the early hours of the 25th on charges of destroying public property (an electronic ankle monitor) and jumping bail. The judge at the Ciaotou District Court determined that Xu Han posed a risk of fleeing and colluding with accomplices and witnesses, and ordered him detained for two months starting March 25. He was prohibited from receiving visitors, communicating, sending or receiving books and other items, reading newspapers, watching television, and listening to the radio. Xu Han's defense attorney filed an appeal in court.

However, after a review by the Kaohsiung Branch of the Taiwan High Court, it was determined that Xu Han indeed posed a risk of fleeing and collusion. The court ruled to reject the appeal, making this decision final with no further appeals allowed.

The case stems from Xu Han's tenure as the CEO of CPC Corporation's Refining Business Division, where he allegedly accepted kickbacks from vendors. Police and prosecutors found that the bribes amounted to over NT$16.86 million, and he was indicted for violating the Anti-Corruption Act. The first-instance verdict for this case was announced on March 23; Xu Han was sentenced to 25 years in prison and deprived of civil rights for 9 years for 11 crimes including corruption. The case can be appealed. (Editor: Li Hsi-chang) 1150410