Hongde Energy Chairman and 6 others detained in Hualien solar power corruption case

Seven individuals, including Hongde Energy Chairman Xie Yuanyi and General Manager Zhou Shichang, have been detained by prosecutors in connection with a corruption investigation involving solar power projects in Fenglin Township, Hualien County.

Prosecutors suspect that the developers attempted to bribe local officials and agricultural association landowners to bypass review processes for large-scale solar farms spanning over 1,000 hectares. Investigations revealed that the company allegedly used multi-layered transfers to obscure the flow of funds, which were then withdrawn as cash to pay bribes. Allegations suggest that Xiao Wenlong received nearly 40 million TWD, while Guan Junyan received over 10 million TWD.

The Hualien District Prosecutors Office conducted searches at 55 locations, including the Hualien County Government and various township offices. While the investigation targets potential bribery and money laundering, the Hualien County Government issued a statement asserting that it maintains strict oversight of ground-mounted solar projects to protect local interests and the environment.