Green Energy Executives Detained in Taiwan Over Bribery, Extortion Allegations

Three executives from Taiwan Cement Green Energy (TCC Green Energy) have been detained and are being held without bail as prosecutors investigate allegations of bribery and extortion totaling over NT$20 million and US$1 million. The detentions follow searches of 12 locations by investigators from the Tainan District Prosecutors Office.

The accused, identified as a project manager, an assistant, and a deputy manager, allegedly exploited their positions between 2022 and 2023. They are suspected of colluding to solicit illegal benefits from contractors involved in the TCC Green Energy Yizhu "fishery-electricity symbiosis" project. The investigation revealed that the three collected more than NT$20 million in illicit payments for this project alone, significantly harming the company's interests.

Further investigation uncovered that the project manager and assistant allegedly accepted another US$1 million in 2023 from contractors involved in both the Yizhu project and the TCC Green Energy Jiahe Longjiang "fishery-electricity symbiosis" project. Additionally, the assistant is accused of extorting over NT$1 million from a contractor at the Yizhu site in 2022.

Prosecutors believe the three individuals pose a flight risk and may destroy evidence or collude with accomplices, leading to their pre-trial detention. The case underscores concerns about internal governance and corruption within Taiwan's crucial renewable energy sector, with authorities emphasizing their determination to combat such crimes and urging companies to strengthen internal oversight.