Bribery Scandal at Nuclear Plant No. 2: Former Plant Manager and Current Deputy Manager Detained

(Central News Agency reporter Lin Chang-shun, Taipei, June 18) Tseng Wen-huang, former plant manager of Taipower's Nuclear Plant No. 2, was prosecuted last year on bribery charges. The Taipei District Prosecutors Office has now uncovered suspicions of public officials receiving bribes in four additional procurement cases. Yesterday, nine individuals—including Tseng, the current deputy manager surnamed Chen, and a section chief surnamed Zhu—were summoned for questioning. Prosecutors today filed detention requests with no visitation rights for Tseng, Chen, and Zhu.

According to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office investigation, during Tseng Wen-huang's tenure as plant manager in 2024 (Minguo Year 113), he successively accepted NT$1.6 million and NT$200,000 in bribes from a contractor surnamed Tsao in a procurement case. Additionally, in April 2024, he accepted NT$400,000 in bribes from another contractor surnamed Hao during another procurement process. The Taipei Prosecutors Office has indicted Tseng and others on charges including corruption, and the case is currently under trial at the Taipei District Court.

Further investigation revealed that between 2018 and 2019 (Minguo Years 107–108), four additional procurement cases at Nuclear Plant No. 2 are suspected of involving bribery. Yesterday, prosecutors directed the Anti-Corruption Agency to search 28 locations, including the residences and offices of Tseng, the deputy manager surnamed Chen, and the section chief surnamed Zhu. Nine individuals—including Tseng, Chen, Zhu, a manager surnamed Liu, a section chief surnamed Song, and four contractors—were summoned for questioning.

After overnight interrogation, prosecutors determined that Tseng, Chen, and Zhu are strongly suspected of accepting bribes for official duties under the Anti-Corruption Act, with substantial evidence and risk of collusion. Detention with no visitation rights was requested. Liu and Song were released on bail of NT$500,000 and NT$300,000 respectively, with travel restrictions imposed.

Taipower stated it is closely coordinating and cooperating with prosecutors and anti-corruption authorities. The company emphasized its principle of 'no wrongful exoneration, no concealment' and pledged full cooperation with judicial investigations. As the case has entered judicial proceedings, Taipower affirmed that any confirmed violations will be severely punished according to regulations. (Editor: Lin Shu-hui) 1150618