Hualien County Government Transfers Official Accused of Sexual Harassment, Launches Investigation
A 60-year-old director of the Government Ethics Office in Hualien County is accused of sexually harassing a female colleague during a business trip to Taipei in late May. The official allegedly booked only one hotel room citing budget constraints, restricted the colleague's movement, and made physical contact. The victim reported to police, and the case has been forwarded to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office. The county government has transferred the suspect and initiated an investigation.
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- 📰 Published: June 3, 2026 at 12:32
- 🔍 Collected: June 3, 2026 at 12:45 (13 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 6, 2026 at 22:12 (81h 26m after Collected)
(Central News Agency reporter Zhang Qi, Hualien County, 3rd) In response to media reports that a government ethics officer in Hualien County was suspected of sexual harassment and molestation, the Hualien County Government stated today that the suspect has been transferred to another county and an investigation has been launched in accordance with the law. The government said it views the matter seriously and will impose swift and severe punishment.
According to media reports, a director of the Government Ethics Office of the Hualien County Government took a female colleague to Taipei for a business training event in late May. After arriving at the hotel, the female colleague learned that the director had only booked one room, citing "insufficient funds," and did not allow her to leave the room, even making physical contact.
The female colleague insisted on paying out of her own pocket to book another room at the front desk, then fled to a nearby police station to file a report. The police have forwarded the case to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office on charges of sexual harassment, molestation, and obstruction of freedom.
According to sources, the accused, a 60-year-old director surnamed Liu, has a public service career of about 30 years, starting as a junior ethics officer at the county government and serving as the director of ethics offices in various departments. After the incident, he urgently applied for retirement, but the application has been suspended due to the gender equality case.
The Hualien County Government stated today that it has instructed the Government Ethics Office and the Personnel Office to initiate relevant procedures according to their authority. The suspect was immediately removed from his post after the incident to ensure workplace safety and the integrity of the subsequent investigation. The government also provided assistance and care to the complainant.
The Hualien County Government stated that it maintains a zero-tolerance stance against any form of sexual harassment or violation of gender equality. The case has now entered the statutory investigation process, and relevant personnel are required to cooperate with the investigation to clarify the facts. (Editor: Zhang Mingkun) 1150603
According to media reports, a director of the Government Ethics Office of the Hualien County Government took a female colleague to Taipei for a business training event in late May. After arriving at the hotel, the female colleague learned that the director had only booked one room, citing "insufficient funds," and did not allow her to leave the room, even making physical contact.
The female colleague insisted on paying out of her own pocket to book another room at the front desk, then fled to a nearby police station to file a report. The police have forwarded the case to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office on charges of sexual harassment, molestation, and obstruction of freedom.
According to sources, the accused, a 60-year-old director surnamed Liu, has a public service career of about 30 years, starting as a junior ethics officer at the county government and serving as the director of ethics offices in various departments. After the incident, he urgently applied for retirement, but the application has been suspended due to the gender equality case.
The Hualien County Government stated today that it has instructed the Government Ethics Office and the Personnel Office to initiate relevant procedures according to their authority. The suspect was immediately removed from his post after the incident to ensure workplace safety and the integrity of the subsequent investigation. The government also provided assistance and care to the complainant.
The Hualien County Government stated that it maintains a zero-tolerance stance against any form of sexual harassment or violation of gender equality. The case has now entered the statutory investigation process, and relevant personnel are required to cooperate with the investigation to clarify the facts. (Editor: Zhang Mingkun) 1150603