Former Taoyuan Councilor Wu Zong-xian Sentenced to 3 Years for Defrauding Millions in Assistant Fees

Taoyuan, April 28 (CNA) Former Taoyuan City Councilor Wu Zong-xian was found guilty of defrauding public assistant fees totaling NT$14,518,851. The Taoyuan District Court sentenced him to 3 years in prison and 4 years of deprivation of civil rights. The sentence is not eligible for probation.

The investigation revealed that Wu served as a councilor from 2002 to 2022. During this period, he collaborated with a female assistant and used 'ghost' names to claim assistant subsidies from the Taoyuan City Council. The funds were used for stock investments, alimony for his children, and daily living expenses.

While Wu and seven other co-defendants confessed to the crimes during the trial, the court determined that Wu did not meet the criteria for probation. His co-defendants received lighter sentences with probation. The case is subject to appeal.