Zhu Huojin, the outstanding village chief of Yilan, who was transferred to the Shanxiang District, was detained for buying tickets worth 3,000 yuan per ticket.

Zhu Huojin, the high-achieving village chief of Yilan who was transferred to Shanxiang Dai, was charged for buying tickets worth RMB 3,000 per vote. (Picture taken from the Ministry of Interior website)

Zhu Huojin, the head of Neicheng Village in Yuanshan Township, Yilan County, was awarded the title of Outstanding Village Chief this year. At the end of the year, he became a village representative. However, he was shocked to learn that he was suspected of buying votes for 3,000 yuan in cash per vote. The Yilan District Prosecutor's Office launched a search yesterday and brought back 19 people. After an overnight review, it was determined that Zhu Huojin and other three defendants were involved in the election strike. They petitioned the court to detain Zhu Huojin and banned him from seeing him. The other two family members involved were ordered to post bail of 200,000 yuan each.

Zhu Huojin, who is not a party member, has strong strength at the grassroots level in Yuanshan Township. He has served as the inner-city village chief for several terms since the 16th term and has been deeply involved in the local area for many years. In 2026, he was just awarded the consolation payment for senior and outstanding village chiefs. Unexpectedly, he changed his track and entered the township representative election at the end of the year. He was suspected of paying bribes in cash, which shocked the local government.

Yesterday, prosecutor Yip Yicai directed the Taipei City Investigation Bureau, Beiji Station and Wenshan No. 2 Branch of the Investigation Bureau to carry out search tickets issued by the court. The troops went to 16 locations in multiple directions to conduct large-scale searches. The task force summoned a total of 19 people to report to the case. Chief prosecutor Huang Guanzhong led prosecutors such as Ye Yicai, Dong Liangzao, Zeng Shanglin, Guo Tingyu, and Chen Yixiang to conduct overnight interrogations to clarify the election bribery network and the flow of funds.

After interrogation by the prosecutor, it was determined that three of the defendants surnamed Zhu were suspected of voting bribery in violation of Article 99, Paragraph 1 of the Public Officials Election and Recall Act. The crime was considered serious. Considering the risk of collusion with evidence, they petitioned the court to detain Zhu Huojin and prohibit him from seeing them. The family members of the other two defendants surnamed Zhu were ordered to post bail of NT$200,000 each pending summons.

The prosecutor emphasized that there is no limit to cash for election bribery, and it is a crime to give gifts, travel, or distribute materials, as long as it is linked to voting intentions. The prosecutors will strictly investigate and deal with any behavior that undermines the fairness of the election. If the public discovers election bribery, please call the 24-hour hotline 0800-024-099 (press 4) to report it. The reward can be up to 20 million yuan, and the identity of the reporter will be kept strictly confidential.