Year-End Anti-Bribery Efforts Face 3 Challenges: Gambling, Fake News, Foreign Interference, Says Cheng Ming-chien
Minister of Justice Cheng Ming-chien launched an anti-bribery campaign in Taitung County for the year-end elections. He highlighted three major challenges: underground gambling, fake news, and foreign interference. Cheng emphasized strict enforcement against bribery and electoral violence to ensure fair elections, urging citizens to report any actions undermining electoral integrity.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 15, 2026 at 17:11
- 🔍 Collected: April 15, 2026 at 17:31 (20 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 18:08 (36 min after Collected)
TAITUNG COUNTY, Taiwan (CNA) -- In response to the year-end elections, the Ministry of Justice's anti-bribery campaign kicked off today in Taitung County. Minister of Justice Cheng Ming-chien stated that the three major challenges for this anti-bribery effort include underground gambling, fake news, and foreign interference.
The anti-bribery awareness campaign for the "2026 Local Public Officials Election" was launched today at the Taitung District Prosecutors Office. Cheng Ming-chien, Prosecutor General Hsing Tai-chao of the Supreme Prosecutors Office, and Taitung District Prosecutor Hsiao Fang-chou, along with Taitung prosecutors, police, investigators, National Immigration Agency's Taitung Special Task Force, and Taitung County Government ethics personnel, declared their determination to combat bribery.
In his speech, Cheng Ming-chien noted that launching the anti-bribery campaign in Taitung has symbolic significance, demonstrating the government's commitment to investigating bribery. He emphasized that the core of elections lies in fairness and justice, and law enforcement agencies will adhere to the principle of "investigating every lead and handling every evidence-based case," strictly cracking down on bribery and electoral violence, and absolutely not tolerating the intervention of money or illegal means.
Cheng Ming-chien pointed out that current elections face three major challenges. First is the issue of underground gambling, where "gambling can lead to bloodshed." With technological advancements, gambling has shifted to online and virtual forms, making its impact on elections more covert. Future efforts will strengthen source tracing and comprehensively sever illegal links.
The second challenge is interference from fake news and AI-generated content. False information spreads rapidly through the internet and social media, even being used to attack opponents or influence elections. Relevant agencies will strengthen real-time verification and clarification to prevent the continued fermentation of misinformation.
The third is the risk of foreign interference. In the trend of globalization and digitalization, hostile foreign forces may use various means to influence elections. Prosecutors and investigators will work closely with the national security system to strengthen cross-border investigations and ensure electoral independence and fairness.
Cheng Ming-chien called on the public to participate in the anti-bribery campaign, urging them to report any actions that affect electoral fairness. He stressed that the ideal situation is for "not a single dollar of reward money to be paid out," which would signify no bribery occurred, thereby truly realizing democratic values.
Hsing Tai-chao echoed Cheng Ming-chien's remarks, emphasizing the determination to combat bribery. At the end of the event, attendees collectively chanted "Anti-bribery immediately launched, comprehensive crackdown on bribery," and fired Amis bamboo cannons, demonstrating their resolve to fight bribery. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 20260415
The anti-bribery awareness campaign for the "2026 Local Public Officials Election" was launched today at the Taitung District Prosecutors Office. Cheng Ming-chien, Prosecutor General Hsing Tai-chao of the Supreme Prosecutors Office, and Taitung District Prosecutor Hsiao Fang-chou, along with Taitung prosecutors, police, investigators, National Immigration Agency's Taitung Special Task Force, and Taitung County Government ethics personnel, declared their determination to combat bribery.
In his speech, Cheng Ming-chien noted that launching the anti-bribery campaign in Taitung has symbolic significance, demonstrating the government's commitment to investigating bribery. He emphasized that the core of elections lies in fairness and justice, and law enforcement agencies will adhere to the principle of "investigating every lead and handling every evidence-based case," strictly cracking down on bribery and electoral violence, and absolutely not tolerating the intervention of money or illegal means.
Cheng Ming-chien pointed out that current elections face three major challenges. First is the issue of underground gambling, where "gambling can lead to bloodshed." With technological advancements, gambling has shifted to online and virtual forms, making its impact on elections more covert. Future efforts will strengthen source tracing and comprehensively sever illegal links.
The second challenge is interference from fake news and AI-generated content. False information spreads rapidly through the internet and social media, even being used to attack opponents or influence elections. Relevant agencies will strengthen real-time verification and clarification to prevent the continued fermentation of misinformation.
The third is the risk of foreign interference. In the trend of globalization and digitalization, hostile foreign forces may use various means to influence elections. Prosecutors and investigators will work closely with the national security system to strengthen cross-border investigations and ensure electoral independence and fairness.
Cheng Ming-chien called on the public to participate in the anti-bribery campaign, urging them to report any actions that affect electoral fairness. He stressed that the ideal situation is for "not a single dollar of reward money to be paid out," which would signify no bribery occurred, thereby truly realizing democratic values.
Hsing Tai-chao echoed Cheng Ming-chien's remarks, emphasizing the determination to combat bribery. At the end of the event, attendees collectively chanted "Anti-bribery immediately launched, comprehensive crackdown on bribery," and fired Amis bamboo cannons, demonstrating their resolve to fight bribery. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 20260415
FAQ
What are the main challenges the Ministry of Justice is addressing in its anti-bribery efforts for the year-end elections?
The main challenges are underground gambling, fake news, and foreign interference.
Where was the anti-bribery campaign launched?
It was launched in Taitung County.