TAIPEI (TVBS News)— The New Taipei District Prosecutors Office (新北地檢署) imposed an eight-month travel ban on the former Ministry of Labor Workforce Development Agency branch director on Wednesday (Nov. 27), amid serious allegations of workplace bullying. Prosecutors suspected Hsieh Yi-jung (謝宜容) of involvement in a significant crime, and feared she might flee or tamper with evidence, prompting the restriction.
Prosecutors alerted immigration and customs last Friday, ensuring Hsieh's inclusion in a special bulletin restricting her from leaving the country by air or sea until July 21, 2025. Hsieh issued a statement, emphasizing her commitment to "absolutely comply with the disciplinary requirements and cooperate with subsequent investigations."
A public servant named Wu (吳) went missing on Nov. 3 and was found the next morning in the agency's office, having died by suicide. Investigators later revealed Wu worked grueling hours, from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., without claiming overtime. Hsieh allegedly instructed emergency responders not to cover the deceased with a white cloth and demanded the body be transported via wheelchair, while also reportedly attempting to silence colleagues.
The prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the potential dereliction of duty, naming Hsieh as a defendant. The case has led to the resignation of Labor Minister Ho Pei-shan (何佩珊) and a public apology from President Lai Ching-te (賴清德). Hsieh has been dismissed after receiving two major demerits.
>>> If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 1995 to reach the Suicide Prevention Line. You can also call the Peace of Mind Line, under the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW ), at 1925, or the Teacher Chang Foundation at 1980 for additional resources.