Former Taiwan Party Official Sentenced to 7 Years for Espionage and Fraud Linked to China

A former official with Taiwan's People First Party, Hsu Chun-ying, has been sentenced to seven years in prison following a first-instance ruling by the New Taipei District Court. The conviction includes charges related to violating the Anti-Infiltration Act and aggravated fraud.

“

Whether the sentence is long or short, the important thing is that they can be caught and convicted.

Prosecutors alleged that Hsu acted under the direction of Chinese sources, participating in campaign events for Taipei mayoral candidate Huang Shan-shan and former party chairman Ko Wen-je. Her alleged activities extended to operating an underground money exchange and engaging in loan fraud by submitting false information to facilitate the entry of infiltration sources into Taiwan.

“

For those who endanger the national security of the Republic of China, regardless of whether they are Chinese spouses or citizens, as long as they are people protected by the free constitutional system of the Republic of China, they have an obligation to protect this country.

In response to the verdict, Democratic Progressive Party legislator Chung Chia-pin emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for actions that threaten national security. He stated that regardless of the sentence's duration, the key is the ability to apprehend and convict such individuals. Chung stressed that anyone enjoying the freedoms guaranteed by Taiwan's constitutional system has a duty to protect the nation, irrespective of their identity, including those with Chinese spousal status.

“

If they are bought or infiltrated by the CCP or foreign hostile forces and engage in acts that undermine national security, not only do we hope they can be caught, but the courts must also be able to convict them.

Chung further asserted that if individuals are found to be collaborating with or receiving funds from the Chinese Communist Party or other hostile foreign forces to undermine national security, the judicial system must not only apprehend them but also impose convictions. He believes that such sentences are meaningful as they serve as a deterrent against treasonous intentions and actions that harm Taiwan's defense and national security, ensuring perpetrators face consequences.

“

Only then will such sentences have meaning, serving as a deterrent and making them pay the price for their actions.