TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Chiayi City independent councilor Tai Ning (戴寧) began serving a 5-year prison sentence Tuesday (Aug. 19) after being convicted of embezzling NT$5.18 million (around US$172,000) from public funds. The Chiayi District Prosecutors Office led the comprehensive investigation that culminated in her sentencing and immediate incarceration. Tai's imprisonment marks a dramatic fall from grace for the 43-year-old politician who once followed her father's political legacy.
The 43-year-old politician followed her father's political legacy after completing university education and establishing a business in Taiwan's capital. Tai secured her first election to the Chiayi City Council at age 28 and won multiple re-elections despite facing corruption allegations that surfaced in March 2022. Prosecutors originally pursued a harsh 24-year sentence, but her guilty plea and full restitution of embezzled funds significantly reduced the final punishment.
Taiwan's Supreme Court ultimately finalized her sentence at five years and six months imprisonment, coupled with four years of civil rights deprivation. Tai surrendered to the Taichung District Prosecutors Office at 10:10 a.m. Tuesday, with authorities transferring her to Taichung Women's Prison by 1 p.m. Prison officials denied her request for facility transfer that would have enabled more convenient family visitations.
Tai relocated to Taichung on Aug. 15 and demonstrated complete cooperation with judicial proceedings throughout the process. Prison officials processed an execution letter facilitating her transfer to the Taichung Women's Prison facility. The former councilor will occupy a shared cell and must follow the institution's structured daily routine during her incarceration period. ◼
