TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Independent legislator Ciwas Ali (高金素梅) was granted NT$1 million (US$31,774) bail Friday after being questioned by prosecutors in connection with multiple alleged fraud and corruption cases.
Prosecutors allege that Ciwas, serving her seventh consecutive term, and several associates were involved in schemes to fraudulently claim legislative aide subsidies. They are also accused of illegally importing COVID-19 test kits and obtaining subsidies through an Indigenous association, according to LTN and CNA.
Authorities conducted searches Tuesday at 30 locations, including Ciwas’ residence, her office at the Legislative Yuan, and the homes of related individuals. Ciwas was brought to the Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office for questioning on Wednesday but was released under travel restrictions after saying that she felt unwell, according to CNA.
After about three and a half hours of questioning Friday, prosecutors set Ciwas’ bail. Eleven other defendants were ordered to post bail ranging from NT$100,000 to NT$500,000, while four were released without conditions.
Prosecutors allege that former staff member and independent Pingtung County Councilor Aljui Piyuvel (越秋女) distributed China-made rapid test kits and other pandemic supplies during the 2022 local elections. While Aljui was acquitted in the first instance, investigators found that the test kits had been sourced by Ciwas.
Investigators further suspect that Ciwas and others imported multiple batches of test kits under personal-use limits. These supplies were later handed out to residents in her district.
Ciwas’ assistant, Chang Chun-chieh (張俊傑), is believed to have played a central role in three separate cases, using former aides or stand-ins to claim public funds. Taipei District Court approved the prosecutors’ request to detain Chang without visitation, citing flight risk and potential evidence tampering.
In addition, an Indigenous multicultural exchange association founded by Ciwas is suspected of collaborating with vendors between 2015 and 2018 to apply for subsidies from the Council of Indigenous Peoples, Taiwan Power Co., and CPC Chinese Petroleum Corp. The funds were allegedly used for events with inflated expenses or activities that may not have occurred.
Ciwas offered an apology to her fellow Indigenous people, her supporters, and her colleagues in the Legislative Yuan. She added that she would not yield to political pressure.
