Former Tainan Speaker Kuo Hsin-liang faces embezzlement charges, detention sought

Former Tainan City Speaker Kuo Hsin-liang is once again facing the prospect of detention, this time on charges of embezzling political donations and funds from a cultural and educational association, totaling over NT$10 million. Prosecutors have requested his pre-trial detention, citing unclear explanations of financial transactions and concerns that he may tamper with evidence or collude with witnesses.

If the Tainan District Court approves the detention request, it would mark Kuo's second time being held in a detention facility. He was previously detained for approximately two months in July 2023 in connection with a bribery case related to urban redevelopment. The current investigation involves searches across 25 locations linked to Kuo, the summoning of 18 witnesses, and the seizure of crucial evidence, including account books and electronic devices.

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The illegal amount involved in this case exceeds NT$10 million, and based on the current evidence, there are still important accomplices who have not yet come forward to explain.

Investigators believe Kuo's explanations regarding the flow of funds in the alleged embezzlement case are inconsistent with witness testimonies. Given the significant sum involved and the possibility of unapprehended accomplices, prosecutors argue that detention is necessary to preserve key evidence and prevent interference. Kuo's long-standing influence in local politics, with extensive connections in both political and business circles, is seen as a significant risk factor for potential witness tampering or evidence destruction if he were released on bail.

In addition to the current embezzlement charges, Kuo Hsin-liang is involved in two other cases. One is a NT$13 million bribery case concerning urban redevelopment, for which he received a 13-year sentence in the first instance but was later acquitted in the second instance. The other case involves alleged illegal backfilling of approximately 49,000 cubic meters of construction waste for a solar power farm. Prosecutors filed an additional indictment in 2025 for this case, seeking a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence, which is currently under judicial review.

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Kuo Hsin-liang has deep political and business connections and influence in the local area. If released on bail, he is highly likely to collude with witnesses or destroy evidence.