Chiayi Police Squad Leader Detained in Corruption Case, Court Rules

(CNA, by Huang Kuo-fang, Chiayi City, June 12) The Chiayi District Prosecutors Office is investigating a corruption case involving a squad leader surnamed Ho from the Chiayi City Police Department's First Precinct. After prosecutors requested the detention of Ho and a chain electronic game arcade operator surnamed Chen yesterday, the Chiayi court, after a hearing, ruled today to detain Ho and deny visitation, while Chen was released on NT$300,000 bail with restricted residence.

The Chiayi District Prosecutors Office stated that a squad leader surnamed Ho of the First Precinct's investigation team was reported to be involved in a corruption scandal with a chain electronic game arcade. After an investigation, prosecutors on the afternoon of the 9th directed investigators from the Investigation Bureau's Southern Mobile Station to search the First Precinct's investigation team, Ho's residence, and other locations. In addition to arresting Ho, they also summoned the arcade's operator surnamed Chen and several employees for questioning.

Prosecutors' investigation found that Ho was reported to have close dealings with the electronic game arcade operator and was suspected of leaking confidential information and corruption. To clarify the abnormal flow of funds in Ho's accounts, his family members were also included in the investigation. The arcade's accountant surnamed Chen and several other employees were also arrested for questioning about the flow of funds.

Prosecutors said that after follow-up interrogations on the 10th, a man surnamed Lin and a woman surnamed Pu were released on bail of NT$30,000 and NT$80,000 respectively, while others, including a partner in the arcade surnamed Chen, were released. Prosecutors applied to the Chiayi District Court for the detention of Ho and Chen yesterday morning.

After receiving the case yesterday, the Chiayi court judge reviewed the files and held a detention hearing at night. Until early this morning, the court ruled to detain Ho and deny visitation, while Chen was released on NT$300,000 bail with restricted residence. (Edited by Huang Ming-hsi) 1150612