TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The Ministry of Interior has disbanded five groups linked to a Chinese spouse sentenced to eight years in prison for pro-Chinese activities, reports said Saturday.

Zhou Manzhi (周滿芝) was initially acquitted of accepting instructions and funds from China to set up groups to promote pro-Chinese causes. However, after the Supreme Court ordered a retrial, the Taiwan High Court sentenced her to eight years on Jan. 20, with appeals still possible.

The Ministry of Interior came to the conclusion that several groups, including those founded by Zhou, were conducting irregular activities, per CNA. They were given time to improve their operation, but failed to do so, the ministry said.

The organizations were mainly involved in exchanges with China and in issues concerning new immigrants and Chinese spouses. 

The ministry cautioned that groups involved in similar work should respect the National Security Act, the Anti-Infiltration Act, and the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area.