Ex-New Party official Hsu Chun-ying indicted for election interference, fraud; seeks 21-year sentence

Former New Party New Immigrant Committee chairwoman Hsu Chun-ying faces serious charges including violating Taiwan's Anti-Infiltration Act and defrauding a bank. Prosecutors are seeking a lengthy prison sentence of 21 years and 6 months, along with a substantial fine of NT$23 million, for her alleged involvement in election interference and financial crimes.

The indictment details Hsu's alleged close ties with Chinese Communist Party united front organizations, including the Cross-Strait Marriage and Family Service Center. She is accused of maintaining frequent contact with officials like Yang Wentao and Sun Xian, reporting on Taiwanese political figures and activities of Chinese spouses in Taiwan. Prosecutors claim she followed instructions to campaign for Taipei mayoral candidate Huang Shan-shan and former President's Office Chairman Ko Wen-je during the 2022 local elections and the 2024 presidential and legislative elections.

Beyond election interference, Hsu is also accused of running an illegal underground remittance business between 2020 and 2025, handling over NT$28.75 million in transactions and profiting approximately NT$240,000. Furthermore, she and others allegedly used false pretenses to help Sun Xian enter Taiwan and conspired to defraud a bank of NT$26.97 million. Hsu denied violating the Anti-Infiltration Act and aiding Sun's entry under false pretenses, but admitted to the underground remittance and bank fraud charges.

Prosecutors emphasized the severity of Hsu's alleged actions, stating she willingly became a tool for external hostile forces to interfere with Taiwan's elections for personal gain and to secure resources. They highlighted a particularly concerning detail: after a controversy arose regarding her eligibility for a legislative nomination due to her Chinese citizenship, Hsu allegedly used her contacts to obtain proof of her Chinese household registration being canceled. This tactic, described as "the enemy is hidden, we are exposed," could overwhelm authorities and mislead the public about candidates' backgrounds, potentially eroding the credibility of Taiwan's democratic election system.