National Security Bureau Official Accused of Years-Long Sexual Harassment in Taiwan

Allegations surface against Xie Ya-Li, a high-ranking official, involving repeated acts of sexual harassment against female colleagues, raising concerns about institutional protection.

According to reports, Xie Ya-Li, a senior official at the National Security Bureau (NSB) in Taiwan, has been accused of engaging in a pattern of sexual harassment against female colleagues over an extended period. The allegations include instances of verbal harassment, as well as physical contact such as touching hands, shoulders, and waists, and even groping.

The accusations detail that Xie, who was previously stationed in southern Taiwan and then transferred back to Taipei, allegedly targeted two young female administrative staff members. The incidents reportedly occurred when they were presenting documents. The victims, feeling intimidated by Xie's position of power, chose not to speak out at the time. However, they confided in other colleagues, who were hesitant to take action.

During the National Day celebrations at the Taipei Dome on October 5 of the previous year, Xie, who was responsible for overseeing security, is accused of sexually harassing female security personnel. This included both verbal advances and physical contact, which allegedly caused significant emotional distress, with some individuals reportedly suffering from depression and work-related anxiety.

The reported misconduct extends beyond the NSB, with accusations involving female employees from the National Immigration Agency and the National Police Agency. During a Chinese New Year event at the Lin Palace Hotel in Kaohsiung on January 30 of the previous year, Xie, who was then a group leader at the southern station, allegedly approached a female supervisor from the National Immigration Agency and embraced her from behind while in the presence of Chen Kuo-Chuan, a third division director.

The pattern of alleged misconduct by Xie dates back to at least 2021, when he was transferred from the northern station to the third internal affairs group within the bureau headquarters. Following the announcement of his appointment, female employees reportedly expressed concerns. Three female team members jointly submitted a sexual harassment complaint to Chen Kuo-Chuan, detailing incidents dating back to 2018. The complaint outlined that Xie, during his tenure as acting group leader and editor, had allegedly exploited his authority to harass female colleagues, including touching their hands, backs, and sensitive areas. The women asked Chen Kuo-Chuan to reverse the decision, but the complaints were allegedly suppressed. Furthermore, it is alleged that Xie's superiors protected him, allowing him to advance his career despite these accusations.