High-Profile Investigation: DPP Lawmaker Lin Dai-hua Under Scrutiny in Taiwan

Prosecutors Seek Detention of Staffers as Corruption Probe Intensifies, Casting Shadows on Kaohsiung Mayoral Bid.

Taipei, Taiwan - A major corruption investigation is unfolding in Taiwan, with prosecutors in Kaohsiung seeking to detain five staffers working for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Lin Dai-hua (林岱樺).

The request for detention, filed on Friday, follows raids on Lin's two offices and the residences of the staffers. They are being questioned on suspicion of violating the Anti-Corruption Act. The individuals include office directors surnamed Chou (周) and Lin (林), along with three other staffers.

The investigation began after the interrogation of Lin Dai-hua on Wednesday. Though allowed to return home, the DPP lawmaker, who has announced her intention to run in the DPP's primary election for the Kaohsiung mayoral race, appeared solemn.

The probe centers on allegations of fraudulent claims for assistants' salaries. Lin was previously released on NT$1 million (approximately US$30,943) bail by the Taiwan Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office on February 21st. She is currently barred from leaving the country and must reside at her current or court-designated location.

Adding to the complexity, four other individuals, allegedly complicit in the case, are currently detained and held incommunicado. These include Lin's younger brother and his wife, an accountant surnamed Huang (黃), and a local temple leader, Shih Huang-chih (釋煌智). Prosecutors are evaluating whether to extend their detention.

Furthermore, Lin is also being investigated for potential abuse of power and alleged involvement in activities that could constitute a conflict of interest related to her duties as a public servant.