Taitung Agriculture Chief Probed for Alleged Profiteering in Resort Road Expansion

An investigation has been launched into Taitung County's Agriculture Department director and other officials over allegations of corruption and illicitly benefiting a resort project. The probe centers on the expansion of a rural access road to a resort invested in by the family of County Speaker Wu Hsiu-hua.

Independent councilor Lin San-tien has accused the county government of using public funds to widen the road, which serves the "Tung Ying Resort" in the Jianhe mountain area, from its original 3-meter width to 15 meters. Lin alleges that Wu Hsiu-hua, leveraging her position as County Speaker, pressured the government to undertake this expansion for private gain.

Wu Hsiu-hua's family, including her brother Wu Chun-li, a former county magistrate, has been involved in previous controversies regarding resort investments. The County Speaker has stated that the current investigation is a necessary step to clarify the facts and expressed confidence that the county government's administrative processes are being conducted lawfully and professionally.

Taitung District Prosecutors Office confirmed that the Agriculture Department director, Hsu Chia-hao, along with the deputy director, a section chief, and another staff member, were brought in for questioning. The investigation is ongoing, focusing on charges of profiteering and other related offenses. The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of land development and public resource allocation in the region.

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This is a necessary procedure to clarify the facts. I believe that the relevant units of the county government are handling all administrative matters in accordance with regulations and professional standards.