TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In a dramatic escalation of tensions between Taiwan's ruling and opposition parties, Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) caucus whip Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁) denounced what he called political persecution after prosecutors conducted a search of his Hualien residence on Friday (March 14). The high-profile operation has reignited controversy over alleged campaign irregularities and deepened political divisions on the island.
Officials from the Taipei District Prosecutors Office (台北地檢署) descended upon the home shared by Fu and his wife, Hualien County Commissioner Hsu Chen-wei (徐榛蔚), in Ji'an Township (吉安鄉) early Friday morning. The hour-long search, beginning around 9 a.m., centered on an investigation into a contentious campaign merchandise scandal that has dogged the KMT since last year's legislative elections.
At the heart of the investigation are facial contouring kits distributed to KMT legislative candidates during the campaign. What initially appeared to be legitimate campaign purchases has evolved into a more complex investigation, with prosecutors now examining potential financial improprieties. Authorities are specifically investigating allegations of fraudulent invoicing and possible violations of Taiwan's "Business Entity Accounting Act" (商業會計法), suggesting the probe has expanded beyond simple campaign finance questions.
Fu, a powerful figure within Taiwan's main opposition party, responded forcefully to the search, expressing profound disappointment with authorities. Speaking to reporters afterward, he claimed the investigation was reopening a case that local prosecutors had previously concluded, suggesting selective enforcement against opposition figures. The seasoned politician portrayed the search as part of a broader pattern of government overreach and intimidation tactics against political opponents.
In his public remarks, Fu painted a stark picture of what he described as systematic government pressure against various sectors of Taiwanese society. He accused the current administration of wielding judicial power as a political weapon, claiming authorities have inappropriately targeted religious organizations, businesses with mainland connections, and individuals involved in cross-strait exchanges. Fu particularly emphasized what he characterized as the troubling precedent of searching opposition lawmakers' homes, framing it as an attack on democratic norms.
The raid marks the latest flashpoint in Taiwan's increasingly polarized political landscape, where questions about the independence of judicial institutions and allegations of politically motivated investigations have become regular features of public discourse. As the investigation proceeds, it is likely to further strain relations between Taiwan's governing and opposition parties at a time of heightened cross-strait tensions.
