TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) announced the formation of a special investigative task force Wednesday (Aug. 27) to probe additional suspects in the expanding sexual assault case involving former Chief Inspector Li Chien-yu (李健育). The ministerial directive follows emerging complaints suggesting broader involvement in harassment incidents beyond the original charges filed against Li. Peng's announcement signals an escalation in the government's response to what appears to be a widening scandal within Taiwan's environmental agency.
The Environment Minister detailed his concerns in a public letter, revealing that recent victim complaints indicate multiple individuals participated in the harassment incidents beyond Li's documented actions. Peng emphasized his administration's unwavering zero-tolerance stance toward sexual harassment and workplace misconduct across all government departments. The minister called for a comprehensive review of current case management procedures to ensure thorough investigation and appropriate institutional responses to such serious allegations.
Peng outlined comprehensive reform measures in his correspondence, emphasizing his commitment to strengthening workplace gender equality awareness programs to prevent future harassment incidents. The minister pledged continued institutional support for victims pursuing legal remedies and promised specialized assistance to help survivors overcome psychological trauma. Peng acknowledged systemic shortcomings in current public agency regulations and committed to implementing meaningful procedural improvements to better protect government employees from workplace misconduct.
Taiwan District Prosecutors Office filed charges against Li in June 2025, including 10 serious counts of forced molestation and sexual assault related to power abuse incidents occurring throughout 2022 and 2023. The original indictment documented systematic misconduct during Li's tenure as Chief Inspector within the environmental ministry. Additional victims may be coming forward with new allegations, prompting prosecutors to maintain an active investigation while the special task force conducts its parallel inquiry. ◼