Former DPP Legislator Chen Ou-po Sentenced to 16 Years for Corruption and Fraudulent Assistant Fees of NT$8.74 Million

(Central News Agency reporters Hsieh Chun-lin, Lin Chang-shun, Taipei, April 14) Former DPP legislator Chen Ou-po, accused of accepting bribes and fraudulently claiming assistant fees, with illicit gains totaling over NT$8.74 million, was indicted by the Taipei District Prosecutors Office with a recommended sentence of 24 years and 2 months. The Taipei District Court today sentenced Chen to 16 years in prison for corruption and other offenses, and deprived him of civil rights for 6 years. The verdict can be appealed.

The Taipei District Prosecutors Office stated that it will consider whether to appeal after receiving the judgment.

The Taipei District Prosecutors Office indictment pointed out that Chen Ou-po was suspected of using his legislative power from January 2016 to July 2023, through convening coordination meetings and public inquiries, to propose multiple bills or amendments to protect businesses, and thereby received improper benefits totaling over NT$4.63 million.

The prosecution also found that Chen Ou-po was suspected of overstating the salaries of multiple public assistants from February 1, 2012, to November 30, 2022. The assistants then withdrew the overstated amounts in cash, which were used as office petty cash and as directed by Chen Ou-po and Hsu Hui-yu, fraudulently claiming over NT$4.11 million.

In August last year, the Taipei District Prosecutors Office indicted Chen Ou-po, Hsu Hui-yu, and 14 others on charges of accepting bribes and improper benefits in connection with their duties under the Anti-Corruption Act, fraudulently obtaining property by exploiting their positions, money laundering prevention law, and embezzlement.

The Taipei District Court today announced its first-instance verdict, sentencing Chen Ou-po to 16 years in prison for corruption and other offenses, and his wife Hsu Hui-yu to 4 years and 6 months in prison, and depriving them of civil rights for 6 years and 3 years respectively. The court has not yet explained the facts of the crime recognized in the judgment and the reasons for sentencing. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150414

Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.

Download the Central News Agency's "First-hand News" APP to get the latest news instantly.

The text, images, and audio-visual content of this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.