TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Hsieh Yi-jung (謝宜容), a former labor official dismissed because of a bullying scandal, pleaded guilty to corruption charges on Tuesday.
Hsieh admitted to crimes committed while serving as director of the Workforce Development Agency’s north branch from 2023 to 2024, per UDN. Prosecutors say Hsieh leaked information to business contacts and embezzled gifts worth over NT$20,000 (US$605).
The New Taipei District Court released Hsieh on NT$1 million bail based on her confession and because she returned criminal proceeds. It also ordered her to wear a monitoring device, placed her under house arrest, and barred her from leaving the country.
Prosecutors opposed Hsieh’s release and cited the case of Chung Wen-chih (鍾文智), a businessman charged with insider trading who recently fled. They also pointed to Hsieh’s financial means and overseas connections, including children studying abroad.
Hsieh’s lawyers argued she would not flee, as her children could not support her. They also emphasized her guilty plea and the low amount of money involved.
Prosecutors charged Hsieh last week. She was first detained as prosecutors investigated in December.
Hsieh was removed from her position after a labor ministry investigation into workplace bullying and the suicide of one of her subordinates. Prosecutors said there was no legal link between her management and the man's death, so they did not file charges.
Former Labor Minister Hou Pei-shan (何佩珊) resigned over the incident. She was replaced by current Labor Minister Hung Sun-han (洪申翰), who pledged changes to the ministry's work culture.
