Former MOL Official Hsieh Yi-jung Detained for Corruption Amid Suicide Controversy

Ex-Labor Official Hsieh Yi-jung Detained for Corruption After Suicide Scandal

Hsieh Yi-jung (謝宜容), a former Ministry of Labor (MOL) official who was dismissed over allegations of workplace bullying, has now been detained in connection with a corruption investigation. The New Taipei District Court approved the detention order on Wednesday after prosecutors requested it, citing the severity of Hsieh’s alleged crimes and concerns about potential flight risk, evidence tampering, or collusion with witnesses.

Hsieh, who had previously served as the head of the New Taipei office of the MOL’s Workforce Development Agency, faces charges of embezzling public funds and other violations of anti-corruption laws. The charges include illegally withholding public funds for personal gain and using another’s name to influence procurement processes, resulting in illegal benefits.

Corruption Investigation and Detention

The detention follows a series of actions by New Taipei prosecutors, who on Tuesday executed searches at 22 locations, including the northern branch of the Workforce Development Agency, Hsieh’s residence, and the homes of related officials. The investigation is focused on possible breaches of the Anti-Corruption Act and Government Procurement Act.

The prosecutors have brought in 22 individuals for questioning, with 12 of them officially listed as suspects. They were released on bail ranging from NT$30,000 (US$922) to NT$180,000, while the rest were released as witnesses.

Workplace Bullying and the Suicide Case

The detention and corruption charges come just weeks after Hsieh was fired for her involvement in the workplace bullying of a 39-year-old civil servant, surnamed Wu, who tragically took his own life. The suicide, attributed to the toxic work environment created by Hsieh, led to her dismissal on November 20.

The suicide has sparked public outrage and further scrutiny of Hsieh’s actions during her tenure. Taipei City Councilor Chung Hsiao-ping (鍾小平) of the Kuomintang filed charges against Hsieh for negligent homicide following the tragic death of Wu. Chung later expanded the charges to include allegations of misusing public funds, including the Employment Stabilization Fund, for personal purposes such as purchasing private gifts and organizing concerts.

The Corruption Case and Separate Homicide Investigation

The investigation into Hsieh’s corruption activities has been transferred to the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office, following approval by the High Prosecutors Office. Sources familiar with the case reveal that prosecutors are particularly focused on the alleged misuse of funds for office renovations and the purchasing of gifts, which violates public procurement laws.

The negligent homicide case related to Wu’s suicide remains a separate investigation, with Taipei prosecutors handling the matter independently. The fallout from the workplace bullying incident has raised broader concerns about accountability in the public sector.

Table: Key Events in the Hsieh Yi-jung Case

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