Kao Chin-su-mei's office searched after key assistant flees

The office of independent legislator Kao Chin-su-mei was searched by prosecutors on September 9 following the escape of her key assistant, Chang Chun-chieh. Chang, who was under electronic monitoring with a 10 million TWD bail, reportedly destroyed his electronic ankle bracelet and fled on September 6.

Chang is a central figure in a corruption case involving allegations of fraudulent assistant salary claims, misappropriation of multi-ethnic association subsidies, and illegal rapid test kit imports. Prosecutors have sought a sentence of over 16 years for Chang, citing criminal gains exceeding 15 million TWD.

Kao Chin-su-mei faces indictment for allegedly defrauding assistant salaries totaling over 7.87 million TWD, with prosecutors seeking a prison term of at least 12 years and 6 months. During the recent search of the Legislative Yuan office, one assistant was taken for questioning. Legal experts suggest that the flight of a key co-defendant may lead prosecutors to seek stricter compulsory measures against Kao, including potential detention.