Former Activist, Taipei Village Chief Accused of Embezzlement

Xia Wan-lang, a community leader in Taipei's Wangxi Village and a former activist known for his involvement in the Diaoyu Islands movement, is facing charges of embezzlement. He is accused of defrauding public funds by submitting inflated invoices for community events held over a four-year period.

Investigators allege that Xia, who served as the village chief from 2016 to 2018, organized various activities for elders, women, and new immigrants. While praised for revitalizing the community, he is suspected of using falsified receipts to claim more money than was actually spent on these events.

The Taipei District Prosecutors Office, along with the Taipei City Investigation Bureau, conducted searches of Xia's residence and village office. He was subsequently questioned by prosecutors on suspicion of violating the Anti-Corruption Act by using his position to defraud public funds, as well as forgery charges.

Xia, who holds a master's degree and pursued doctoral studies in philosophy, has a background in journalism and worked for the Fisheries Agency. His past activism, particularly concerning the Diaoyu Islands, was well-documented. After hours of deliberation, prosecutors set his bail at 200,000 New Taiwan dollars. However, Xia was unable to raise the full amount and was subsequently granted bail for 60,000 New Taiwan dollars, with restrictions on leaving the country and sea.