New Taipei Prosecutors Offer Up to NT$20 Million for Election Interference Tips

As local public official elections approach, the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office is intensifying efforts to combat vote-buying and foreign interference. Chief Prosecutor Kuo Yung-fa has penned a letter to residents, distributed to village and community offices, outlining key aspects of election law and the anti-infiltration act.

The letter, titled "Protecting Our Hometown's Vote – A Letter from the Chief Prosecutor to Fellow Residents," aims to raise public awareness. It details various offenses that could undermine election integrity, including vote buying and illegal residency transfers for voting purposes. Residents are encouraged to use a provided QR code to report any suspicious activities, with the promise of significant rewards.

Kuo Yung-fa highlighted specific concerns, such as the prohibition of buying or selling votes. He also warned against fraudulent residency changes to gain voting rights, which can carry a prison sentence of up to five years. The letter clarifies that normal tourism and exchange activities are not affected, but organized trips to mainland China or other regions, sponsored by external forces and aimed at influencing voters, could violate election laws or the anti-infiltration act. Those involved in organizing or accepting such sponsored travel could face up to 10 years in prison for bribery, while voters accepting such benefits and pledging support could also face legal consequences.

Furthermore, the prosecution is cracking down on illegal gambling related to election outcomes, whether through betting on candidates' success or vote counts. Operating such gambling rings can lead to up to five years in prison, while participating as a bettor can result in up to six months. The office is offering a substantial reward of up to NT$20 million for information that leads to the investigation and confirmation of cases involving foreign interference in elections. The identity of informants will be kept confidential.

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If you report and we discover cases of foreign forces interfering in elections, those who meet the criteria will be given a reward of up to NT$20 million.