The Escape of a Taiwanese Economic Criminal: Examining the High-Profile Case of Chung Wen-Chih

A Deep Dive into the Legal and Procedural Failures Surrounding the Flight of Chung Wen-Chih, and the Implications for Taiwan's Justice System.

The case of Chung Wen-Chih, former head of Lianyi Abalone, has caused a stir in Taiwan. Convicted of stock manipulation and illicitly profiting from Depositary Receipts (TDRs) to the tune of NT$470 million, and sentenced to a cumulative 30 years and 5 months in prison, Chung Wen-Chih has vanished after forfeiting a NT$100 million bail.

This dramatic escape has highlighted potential shortcomings within the legal system. The Taiwan High Court's failure to extend technological surveillance and its reliance on "hearing notices" instead of formal rulings, preventing prosecutors from appealing, has sparked controversy. The High Court initiated a self-discipline committee investigation today to address these concerns.

The second trial in Chung Wen-Chih's case concluded in May 2023, with the Supreme Court affirming the verdict only recently on December 12th. Following the final judgment, news of Chung Wen-Chih's disappearance surfaced. His legal team in the third trial comprised Wang Kuo-tung, Chen Hsien-yu, and Hong Chang-hung. Wang is a retired High Court judge turned lawyer. Hong also has experience as a Supreme Court judge. Chen Hsien-yu, who also served as a member of the Judicial Reform Conference, is a noteworthy attorney. Notably, Chen also represented Chu Kuo-jung, the founder of the Guobao Group, who absconded after forfeiting NT$517 million.