TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Twelve Taichung police officers were charged Tuesday with corruption and document forgery, the Taichung City Police Department confirmed.

Authorities said the officers collaborated with 17 vehicle agency operators between 2020 and 2022 to issue fake traffic fines for drivers whose licenses had been suspended. This allowed 154 vehicle owners to bypass six-month license suspensions, according to CNA and PTS.

Prosecutors said the officers exploited a loophole in traffic regulations, which was amended in 2023. At the time, vehicles with suspended or revoked licenses could be returned immediately to their registered owners, according to UDN.

The officers issued false fines for these vehicles, which the agency operators submitted and paid on behalf of the vehicle owners. After payment, licenses were reissued, enabling the owners to continue using their cars.

Based on an average daily rent of NT$2,300 per vehicle, prosecutors estimated the scheme generated around NT$44 million (US$1.4 million) in illicit gains. While the officers did not receive direct bribes, prosecutors said their actions constituted abuse of authority.

In total, 29 individuals, including the officers and agency operators, face charges of corruption, forgery, and related offenses under the Anti-Corruption Act and Criminal Code, said Lee Yu-pei (李毓珮), assistant chief prosecutor at the Taichung District Prosecutors’ Office.

Of the 12 officers, all except one surnamed Lin (林) admitted involvement, citing pressure from police association friendships or personal connections. Lin denied the charges.

The Taichung City Police Department’s Internal Affairs Office said the officers had already received demerits after the misconduct was discovered. Following the prosecutors’ charges, they have been suspended under the Police Personnel Management Act.