Kaohsiung Construction Executive's Mansion Saved from Auction After Third DUI Offense

A prominent construction executive in Kaohsiung has narrowly avoided the auction of his luxury mansion after a series of driving offenses. The 53-year-old, identified only by his surname Chen, was caught driving without a license and refusing a breathalyzer test for the third time in October last year. This led to a hefty NT$540,000 fine and the seizure of his NT$30 million property in the prestigious Gomei district.

Despite the serious nature of his offenses, Chen initially refused to pay the fine. The Executive Enforcement Agency in Kaohsiung moved swiftly to seize his mansion, initiating the process for auction. However, Chen quickly settled the debt by paying the full amount with his credit card just ten days later, thus saving his home from being sold off.

This incident highlights a concerning pattern of behavior from a figure in the business community, raising questions about accountability and respect for the law. While the agency successfully recovered the fine within two weeks, the repeated offenses and initial defiance suggest a disregard for public safety and legal consequences. The case serves as a reminder that even the wealthy and influential are subject to the law, though the swift resolution through a credit card payment might leave some questioning the true deterrent effect of such enforcement actions.