Taiwanese soldiers investigated for accepting temple 'red envelopes'

Taiwan's Army's Eighth Army Corps is investigating allegations that soldiers accepted monetary gifts from a temple, an act potentially violating anti-corruption laws. The probe involves around 80 non-commissioned officers and soldiers from the 203rd Infantry Brigade who allegedly received red envelopes containing NT$2,000 each. These soldiers were dispatched in March to support the "Hundred-Legged Centipede" procession, a traditional event organized by the Jintong Temple in Jiayi District. The temple reportedly offered the money as a token of gratitude for the military's assistance. The brigade commander allegedly approved the soldiers accepting these gifts. The Tainan District Prosecutors Office has summoned individuals for questioning on suspicion of violating the Anti-Corruption Act. The Eighth Army Corps confirmed the ongoing investigation by judicial authorities, stating that military officers, including a Colonel surnamed Chen, were searched and questioned within the barracks. The military command emphasized its full cooperation with the judicial investigation to clarify the facts. It vowed to strictly punish any illegal activities according to regulations, while simultaneously reinforcing legal and ethical education across all units to uphold integrity and adherence to the law. The goal is to maintain a clean military reputation.