TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — KMT Hsinchu City Council Deputy Speaker Yu Pang-yen (余邦彥) was released without bail on Thursday amid an ongoing corruption investigation.

Sources told CNA that the investigation is linked to illegal storage facilities handling soil containing metal and plastic waste from construction projects. Prosecutors initially targeted an unauthorized site in Hsinchu, but later uncovered evidence suggesting long-term communication between the facility’s owner and Yu, per UDN.

On Wednesday, the Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office searched Yu’s residence, his constituency office, and the city council deputy speaker’s office, per Tai Sounds. Following questioning, prosecutors requested his detention, citing concerns that he might collude with witnesses.

However, the court ruled Thursday evening to release Yu without bail. Prosecutors said they would consider appealing the decision after reviewing the court’s reasoning in detail.

Yu’s family is known for operating businesses in school lunch services and supplying uniforms. A local councilor told Liberty Times that entering the construction waste disposal industry typically requires political backing or connections.

While Yu’s family has historically focused on education-related businesses, his suspected ties to a waste management corruption case have surprised both colleagues and political observers.