Introduction:
Taiwan’s former Vice Premier, Cheng Wen-tsan (鄭文燦), appeared in court on Thursday for the opening of his corruption trial. Cheng, who is accused of accepting bribes while serving as mayor of Taoyuan, firmly denied the charges, claiming that the prosecution’s case was based on “misunderstandings.”
Corruption Charges and Allegations:
Cheng, a high-ranking member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), stands accused of accepting NT$5 million (US$152,945) in bribes in exchange for facilitating an industrial development project at Taoyuan’s Hwa Ya Technology Park. According to prosecutors, Liao Chun-sung (廖俊松), the former head of an industrial zone planning committee in Linkou District, visited Cheng’s official residence on September 14, 2017, and left the bribe money in a black bag.
During the preparatory hearing held at the Taoyuan District Court, Cheng asserted his innocence, stating that he had no knowledge of the bribe. “I deny the charges,” Cheng said. He explained that while Liao came to his residence, the two only had a brief conversation over tea, and the development project was never discussed.
Details of the Bribe Incident:
Cheng further clarified that he was not present in the room when Liao left the money. It was only the following day that he discovered the bag containing the NT$5 million. According to Cheng, he repeatedly urged Liao to take the money back, but Liao did not come to retrieve it. In response, Cheng contacted Liao’s son, Liao Li-ting (廖力廷), and personally returned the bag to his residence in Taipei.
“I did not look inside the bag,” Cheng emphasized during his testimony, reinforcing his claim of innocence.
Prosecutors’ Case and Previous Indictment:
In August, prosecutors filed formal charges against Cheng, recommending a 12-year prison sentence. Cheng was subsequently released on bail, which amounted to NT$28 million, the highest bail set for a political figure in recent years. His bail conditions included restrictions such as staying at his residence and refraining from contacting anyone involved in the case.
Cheng, who served as Taiwan’s Vice Premier from January 31, 2023, to May 20, 2024, under President Tsai Ing-wen’s administration, previously held the position of Taoyuan mayor from 2014 to 2022.
Background on Cheng’s Political Career:
Cheng’s political career has seen significant milestones. As the first mayor of the newly established Taoyuan special municipality, he was known for his leadership in shaping the region’s growth. His tenure as Vice Premier was part of President Tsai Ing-wen’s second-term cabinet, but it was marred by these serious corruption charges.
Court Proceedings and Legal Repercussions:
The trial is ongoing, and the court will continue to review the evidence. Cheng’s defense team has consistently argued that there was a misunderstanding in the prosecution’s case, and they are confident that he will be acquitted.
Table of Key Events in Cheng Wen-tsan’s Corruption Case:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 14, 2017 | Liao Chun-sung allegedly leaves NT$5 million bribe at Cheng’s residence. |
| August 2023 | Cheng is indicted and prosecutors recommend a 12-year jail sentence. |
| January 2023 – May 2024 | Cheng serves as Taiwan’s Vice Premier during Tsai Ing-wen’s second term. |
| December 2024 | Cheng’s corruption trial begins at Taoyuan District Court. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What are the corruption charges against Cheng Wen-tsan?
Cheng Wen-tsan is accused of accepting a bribe of NT$5 million in exchange for facilitating an industrial development project in Taoyuan’s Hwa Ya Technology Park.
2. How does Cheng deny the charges?
Cheng denies any involvement in the bribe, claiming that he was unaware of the money left at his residence and returned it as soon as he discovered it.
3. What is Cheng’s defense in the trial?
Cheng argues that there are misunderstandings in the prosecution’s case and is confident that he will be acquitted.
4. What is the current status of Cheng’s bail?
Cheng was released on NT$28 million bail, one of the highest amounts set for a political figure in recent years. He is required to stay at home and not contact anyone involved in the case.
5. What is Cheng’s political background?
Cheng served as the first mayor of the Taoyuan special municipality from 2014 to 2022 and as Vice Premier of Taiwan during President Tsai Ing-wen’s second term.
