Focus Taiwan
Date: 08/08/2020
By: Hsiao Po-wen and Ko Lin

Taipei, Aug. 8 (CNA) The Taipei District Court on Saturday revoked a bail decision and ordered independent lawmaker Chao Cheng-yu (趙正宇) to be detained and held incommunicado over concerns he could destroy evidence or flee the country as a result of his involvement in a bribery case.

In a statement, the district court said there was a possibility Chao could try to escape and evade trial, since the penalty for corruption carries a minimum five-year sentence.

Considering the influence he has both on the political and business scene, if free to come and go, he could also collude and exert pressure over material witnesses in order to destroy evidence, the Taipei court said.

The suspect has so far been unable to explain the origin of a large amount of cash seized during a recent raid of his home, the court said.    [FULL  STORY]