Keelung and Yilan Prosecutors Establish Task Forces to Prevent Election Interference

Central News Agency reporter Wang Chao-yu, Keelung, May 25. In response to the local public official elections on November 28, the Keelung and Yilan District Prosecutors Offices held a ceremony this morning to establish task forces to investigate election interference. They declared the integration of cross-agency forces to strictly prevent illegal activities such as vote-buying and interference by foreign forces. The Keelung District Prosecutors Office stated in a press release that to ensure the fairness and justice of the Keelung and parts of the New Taipei City electoral districts, following the 'Pre-election Investigation Strategy Meeting' on April 9, they have formed a task force under the instruction of the Supreme Prosecutors Office, led by Chief Prosecutor Chen Chia-hsiu, bringing together police, investigation, anti-corruption, and immigration agencies. Chen stated at the ceremony that the Keelung office will focus on four key areas: 'strict investigation of vote-buying and violence, cutting off election gambling, blocking fake information, and preventing foreign interference.' She reminded agencies to investigate any leads and act on any evidence; whistleblowers whose reports lead to successful convictions can receive up to NT$20 million. Additionally, the Yilan District Prosecutors Office announced that under the instruction of the Supreme Prosecutors Office, Chief Prosecutor Wang Po-tun will lead a team combining local police, investigation, and ethics agencies. Wang emphasized that as the election approaches, partners should strengthen lateral communication, report illegal intelligence immediately, and ensure swift action. He noted that beyond traditional vote-buying and violence, new criminal models like foreign interference and deepfake technology must be addressed to protect democratic values.