TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Former Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) legislator Alex Tsai (蔡正元) reported to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office (台北地檢署) on Friday (March 27) to begin serving his three-year, six-month prison sentence for embezzlement. The court found Tsai guilty last year of embezzling NT$280 million (around US$8.76 million) during the Central Motion Picture Corp. (CMP, 中影) stock transaction through Apollo Investment Co.'s (阿波羅公司) platform.
Tsai condemned the verdict as a product of "green tyranny" and "political persecution," asserting he used his own company's funds. He compared his situation to that of Ko Wen-je (柯文哲), former chairman of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨), a centrist political party, who received a 13-year sentence involving a NT$2.1 million (around US$65,700) political donation. Tsai questioned the fairness of the judicial system, suggesting that past presidents, legislators, and local officials could face similar accusations.
Tsai stated that Ko visited him at his home late Thursday (March 26), showing support despite Ko's own conviction. Tsai noted Ko's upbeat demeanor despite the verdict against him. He humorously described Ko as a "white rabbit doctor lost in the jungle," underscoring their shared challenges with humor.
Tsai expressed confidence in Ko's resilience, highlighting Ko's belief in fairness. He criticized the judiciary for allegedly distorting evidence favorable to the accused and exaggerating unfavorable evidence. Tsai pledged to face adversity with a smile and steady steps, vowing to continue challenging what he called judicial injustice despite beginning his prison term.