TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former Keelung official Wang Yu-sen (王榆森) was detained Tuesday over alleged bribery linked to his time in the city government.

Wang served under former Keelung Mayor Lin Yu-chang (林右昌) beginning in 2014 and left the city administration in 2022 to continue working with Lin after Lin was appointed interior minister, per UDN.

According to the Investigation Bureau, Wang is suspected of accepting improper benefits from a businessman surnamed Chang (張), who allegedly sought to cultivate ties with senior officials in Lin’s Keelung administration. Investigators said Chang provided Wang with a sedan for official and personal use and that Wang allegedly kept the vehicle after leaving the city government.

Prosecutors searched Wang’s residence and brought him in for questioning. Wang denied any wrongdoing, but prosecutors petitioned the court for his detention, which was approved.

Chang and his son were released on bail. Investigators said Chang had appointed his son as Wang’s driver, taking him to public and private engagements over several years, per Knews.

Lin’s office responded Wednesday, saying it was shocked by the allegations but respected the judicial process and urged authorities to fully investigate the matter, per Knews.