Taipei Prosecutors Indict Two Lawyers for Leaking Appeal Document in Fraud Case

(Central News Agency reporter Hsieh Chun-lin, Taipei, June 16) Sun, a lawyer representing a fraud suspect, allegedly named the electronic file of a detention appeal document with a title related to 'Xian Ta Lawyer' and transmitted it twice to Cheng, another lawyer, who then forwarded it to others. On June 16, Taipei prosecutors indicted both Sun and Cheng on charges of leaking confidential information, seeking a prison sentence of at least eight months for each.

According to the indictment by Taipei District Prosecutors Office, Cheng and Sun are senior and junior alumni from the same law school. The case originated when Chen, a member of the Bamboo Union's Hong Jen Society, was detained on fraud charges. Chen initially sought representation by Cheng, but due to Cheng's unavailability, he requested Sun's assistance. Sun agreed and accompanied Chen during police interrogation at the Criminal Investigation Bureau, after which Chen formally appointed Sun as his defense attorney.

The indictment states that Chen was deemed a flight risk and was ordered detained without visitation by the Taipei District Court in August of the previous year. Sun then drafted an appeal against the detention order but disguised the electronic file under a name related to 'Xian Ta Lawyer' to conceal its content and transmitted it twice to Cheng. Cheng subsequently leaked the file to individuals unrelated to the case.

Prosecutors determined that both Cheng and Sun are suspected of violating Article 318-1 of Taiwan's Criminal Code, which prohibits the disclosure of secrets other than those related to national defense. As lawyers, they were fully aware that information obtained during investigations must not be disclosed. Despite their admission of guilt, prosecutors emphasized that their actions severely damaged the public image of the legal profession and requested that both receive prison sentences of at least eight months, without probation.

Regarding the fraud charges involving Chen and others, the indictment states that starting in April 2021, Chen coordinated with overseas fraud call centers. After victims transferred money into front-man bank accounts, the funds were used to purchase U.S. dollars, which were then converted into Tether (USDT), a stablecoin, and transferred into cryptocurrency wallets. Chen then split the proceeds with the fraud operation center.

On June 16, Taipei prosecutors indicted Chen and his accomplice, surnamed Zhao, on charges of fraud under the Criminal Code and money laundering under the Money Laundering Control Act.

The indictment alleges that Chen masterminded and directed the fraud ring, recruited Zhao and others to participate, and was entrusted by an unidentified fraud group to transfer funds abroad using real front-man accounts and electronic wallets for money laundering. A total of 35 victims have been identified, with total losses amounting to NT$14,187,908, causing significant harm to financial order.

Chen is identified as the ringleader of the fraud group, while Zhao served as a high-ranking member. Prosecutors have requested that Chen be sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined NT$20 million, while Zhao be sentenced to five years in prison and fined NT$8 million. (Edited by Hsiao Po-wen) 1150616