TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — New Taipei City Councilor Pai Pei-ju (白珮茹) was questioned by prosecutors on Wednesday (Sept. 18) on suspicion of fraudulently claiming expenses from the public purse for 15 years.
Pai, her family, and friends were among those questioned in connection to a corruption investigation, per CNA. Prosecutors said Pai and others are suspected of claiming assistants fees which were then used for personal expenses since 2009.
Pai is being investigated for crimes listed in the Anti-Corruption Act, Criminal Code, and Money Laundering Control Act, prosecutors said. Pai’s friends and family were also questioned.
Four of Pai’s offices throughout New Taipei and her residence were also searched. She had not made any public statement by press time.
Pai is a member of the Kuomintang (KMT) and has been a city councilor since 1995. She first entered local government as a representative for Taipei County before New Taipei City was established, according to the city’s website.