TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Authorities conducted a search early Tuesday (Feb. 10) at the residence of independent legislator Kao Chin Su-Mei (高金素梅) on Yangmingshan (陽明山), amid allegations of fraud and legal violations. The Taipei District Prosecutors Office (台北地方檢察署) confirmed the search, which included her parliamentary office, due to suspicions of fraudulent assistant fee claims, violations of medical equipment management laws, and misappropriation of association subsidies.
Yang Jen-chih (楊任之), director of the Bureau of Investigation's National Security Division (調查局國安站主任), led the operation alongside Chief Prosecutor Tseng Yang-ling (曾揚嶺), drawing significant public attention. Officials arrived at Kao Chin's office at the Legislative Yuan (立法院), Taiwan’s legislature, at 9:30 a.m. and conducted a thorough search, leaving with five boxes at 12:34 p.m. Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) confirmed the procedural integrity of the search and praised Kao Chin as a staunch defender of Indigenous rights.
Han urged investigative bodies to remain impartial, cautioning against political manipulation, and asserted that Kao Chin can withstand scrutiny. As of now, Kao Chin has not responded, and her assistant stated that she is currently unreachable. Attempts by TVBS News to contact her by phone were unsuccessful because her device was turned off.
Under Article 4, Item 8 of the Additional Articles of the Constitution of the Republic of China (中華民國憲法增修條文), legislators cannot be arrested or detained during sessions without Legislative Yuan approval. The Taipei District Prosecutors Office acknowledged the case's public interest and emphasized adherence to the Principles of Non-disclosure of Investigations to protect public interest and legal rights.