Former Kouhu Township Mayor Sentenced to 10 Years for Bribery from Solar Operators, Lin Che-ling Imprisoned
Lin Che-ling, a former mayor of Kouhu Township and current Yunlin County Councilor, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for soliciting bribes from solar power companies during his mayoral term. The Supreme Court rejected his appeal, and he has been sent to prison.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 8, 2026 at 17:12
- 🔍 Collected: May 8, 2026 at 17:32 (19 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 8, 2026 at 18:41 (1h 9m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Chiang Yi-ching, Yunlin County, May 8) Independent Yunlin County Councilor Lin Che-ling, accused of soliciting bribes from solar power operators during his tenure as Kouhu Township mayor, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison and deprived of civil rights for 8 years in all previous trials, with NT$4 million in unseized criminal proceeds confiscated. The Supreme Court yesterday rejected his appeal, making the verdict final. The prosecutor's office notified him to report today and he has been sent to prison.
Lin Che-ling received the prosecutor's notification yesterday afternoon. He reported to the Yunlin District Prosecutors Office's enforcement section today, accompanied by friends.
Lin Che-ling said he was grateful to those who supported him throughout his journey, giving him the opportunity to serve the local community.
Facing imprisonment, Lin Che-ling admitted that he felt heavy-hearted but was mentally prepared, asking his supporters not to worry. His eyes were red because his 88-year-old father called to express concern, and he couldn't help but choke up during their conversation.
Lin Che-ling believes that each stage of life is different, and after his release from prison, he will continue to care about politics and mentor younger generations in the political arena.
The Yunlin District Prosecutors Office stated that after Prosecutor General Lin Hsiu-min learned of the situation yesterday, she immediately instructed the activation of anti-escape mechanisms, directing the Beigang Precinct of the Yunlin County Police Bureau to implement relevant anti-escape measures for Lin Che-ling, and summoned Lin Che-ling to report for execution at 3 PM today. Lin Che-ling completed his report this afternoon, and after questioning by Prosecutor Yu Kai-min, he was sent to the Yunlin Second Prison of the Agency of Corrections, Ministry of Justice, for execution.
The second instance judgment by the Tainan Branch of the Taiwan High Court pointed out that when Lin was in the position of township mayor, he used his position to solicit bribes from manufacturers, undermining the public's trust in state agencies and harming national interests, causing manufacturers to incur additional huge costs.
The judgment pointed out that Lin consistently denied his wrongdoing, making it difficult to consider his post-offense attitude good. The collegiate panel believed that the original sentencing was appropriate. The original court's judgment on the part of the defendant's violation of the Anti-Corruption Act, along with the deprivation of civil rights for 8 years, and the confiscation and recovery of NT$4 million in unseized criminal proceeds, all complied with legal provisions and should be upheld. The defendant's defense denying the wrongdoing was insufficient to be credited, and thus the appeal was rejected. (Edited by Chen Jen-hua) 1150508
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(Central News Agency reporter Chiang Yi-ching, Yunlin County, May 8) Independent Yunlin County Councilor Lin Che-ling, accused of soliciting bribes from solar power operators during his tenure as Kouhu Township mayor, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison and deprived of civil rights for 8 years in all previous trials, with NT$4 million in unseized criminal proceeds confiscated. The Supreme Court yesterday rejected his appeal, making the verdict final. The prosecutor's office notified him to report today and he has been sent to prison.
Lin Che-ling received the prosecutor's notification yesterday afternoon. He reported to the Yunlin District Prosecutors Office's enforcement section today, accompanied by friends.
Lin Che-ling said he was grateful to those who supported him throughout his journey, giving him the opportunity to serve the local community.
Facing imprisonment, Lin Che-ling admitted that he felt heavy-hearted but was mentally prepared, asking his supporters not to worry. His eyes were red because his 88-year-old father called to express concern, and he couldn't help but choke up during their conversation.
Lin Che-ling believes that each stage of life is different, and after his release from prison, he will continue to care about politics and mentor younger generations in the political arena.
The Yunlin District Prosecutors Office stated that after Prosecutor General Lin Hsiu-min learned of the situation yesterday, she immediately instructed the activation of anti-escape mechanisms, directing the Beigang Precinct of the Yunlin County Police Bureau to implement relevant anti-escape measures for Lin Che-ling, and summoned Lin Che-ling to report for execution at 3 PM today. Lin Che-ling completed his report this afternoon, and after questioning by Prosecutor Yu Kai-min, he was sent to the Yunlin Second Prison of the Agency of Corrections, Ministry of Justice, for execution.
The second instance judgment by the Tainan Branch of the Taiwan High Court pointed out that when Lin was in the position of township mayor, he used his position to solicit bribes from manufacturers, undermining the public's trust in state agencies and harming national interests, causing manufacturers to incur additional huge costs.
The judgment pointed out that Lin consistently denied his wrongdoing, making it difficult to consider his post-offense attitude good. The collegiate panel believed that the original sentencing was appropriate. The original court's judgment on the part of the defendant's violation of the Anti-Corruption Act, along with the deprivation of civil rights for 8 years, and the confiscation and recovery of NT$4 million in unseized criminal proceeds, all complied with legal provisions and should be upheld. The defendant's defense denying the wrongdoing was insufficient to be credited, and thus the appeal was rejected. (Edited by Chen Jen-hua) 1150508
Choose to stand with facts; every sponsorship you provide is a force to protect press freedom.
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Without authorization, the text, images, and audio-visual content of this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and utilized.