Control Yuan Censures Investigation Bureau for Repeated Sexual Crimes and Inadequate Punishments

(Central News Agency reporter Kao Hua-chien, Taipei, June 15) The Control Yuan announced today that the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau has repeatedly been involved in serious sexual misconduct cases, including forcible molestation of female passengers on the MRT, voyeurism, sexual intercourse with minors, and abuse-of-power sexual harassment of female subordinates. Despite these grave violations, the bureau has largely responded with mild disciplinary measures such as warnings and reprimands, prompting the Control Yuan to issue a formal censure and demand immediate, effective reforms.

Control Yuan members Chi Hui-jung and Fan Hsun-lu held a press conference today.

Chi Hui-jung stated that since last year, the Control Yuan has received multiple anonymous and named complaints, leading to an investigation that revealed the Investigation Bureau has had numerous personnel violations of criminal law and the Child and Youth Sexual Exploitation Prevention Act since 2022 (Minguo 111). For example, in 2022, a department chief forcibly molested a female passenger on a metro train; in 2023, an investigator engaged in sexual acts with a minor and recorded sexual images; in 2024, an investigation specialist secretly filmed individuals using public restrooms; and in 2025, another investigator attempted to photograph a middle school student’s underwear. These acts severely contradict the bureau’s core mission of crime prevention.

Chi emphasized that internal sexual harassment within the bureau is also rampant. Between 2020 and 2025, there were 23 reported and unreported sexual harassment cases, with 18 substantiated incidents affecting 34 female victims. Among them, 15 were workplace harassment cases, over 60% involving supervisors abusing power over subordinates, and 80% involving hierarchical pressure such as 'senior-junior' dynamics. This severe power imbalance has led to delayed or suppressed reporting by victims.

Chi noted that in recent years, many government agencies and schools have taken decisive actions—such as immediate dismissal—against personnel involved in sexual misconduct, even before judicial rulings. In contrast, the Investigation Bureau has mostly imposed minor penalties like warnings and reprimands for serious verbal, physical, or power-based harassment. Even for clear criminal offenses like forcible molestation and invasion of sexual privacy, the harshest penalty has been only one major demerit, falling short of the two major demerits required for removal. This reflects leniency and possible collusion.

Chi also criticized the bureau’s internal handling of harassment cases where victims, due to power imbalances, did not formally file complaints. These cases are handled solely by the Inspection Division, lacking gender equality expertise and external oversight. The hierarchical reporting system among regional inspectors has led to case suppression and concealment, forcing personnel to seek justice through external channels.

Fan Hsun-lu stated that many perpetrators should no longer remain in public service. Given that Investigation Bureau personnel are selected through special examinations with high ethical standards, continued moral decline could erode public trust in the agency. She urged the Executive Yuan, Ministry of Justice, and the Investigation Bureau to take immediate and decisive action to thoroughly review and reform the organization. (Edited by Hsieh Chia-chen) 1150615

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