Real-Time Market Monitoring to Prevent Illegal Hoarding and Price Gouging

In response to the Executive Yuan’s price stabilization policy and in fulfillment of directives from the Ministry of Justice and the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office, the Chiayi District Prosecutors Office (CDPO) maintained the uninterrupted operation of the "Livelihood Crime Investigation Liaison Platform" during the Tomb-Sweeping Festival long holiday.

At approximately 7:00 PM today (April 3), Chief Prosecutor Tsai Tzung-shi dispatched Head Prosecutors Chiang Chin-hsing and Chen Ching-hui to lead a joint inspection. They were joined by representatives from the Chiayi City Government Economic Development Department, the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau (MJIB) Chiayi City Service Station, and the Chiayi City Police Bureau to conduct surprise inspections at local hypermarkets and retail stores.

Focus of the Surprise Inspection

The primary focus of this operation was on daily necessities such as plastic bags and disposable packaging materials to monitor fluctuations in price and supply. Findings from the field indicated:

• Sufficient Supply: Inventory and retail availability for various plastic products remain stable.

• Stable Pricing: No signs of abnormal price volatility were detected.

The inspection team took the opportunity to communicate the government's price stabilization measures to vendors. After gathering market feedback, they reminded businesses to immediately report any instances of hoarding or price manipulation. Through real-time intelligence exchange via the liaison platform, the team will continue to assess market supply and demand to prevent unfair trade practices and protect consumer rights.

Warnings Against Illegal Conduct

Chief Prosecutor Tsai Tzung-shi emphasized that any business attempting to exploit the holiday period by hoarding goods, engaging in price-fixing (collusion), or spreading false market rumors to drive up prices may be in violation of the Criminal Code, the Fair Trade Act, and the Social Order Maintenance Act.

Dual Enforcement Strategy: The CDPO will continue to work closely with liaison platform members using a two-pronged approach:

1. Administrative Penalties: Cases involving administrative violations will be referred to the relevant competent authorities for fines and sanctions.

2. Criminal Prosecution: Cases involving criminal illegality will be strictly investigated and prosecuted by the CDPO to ensure price stability and public well-being.

Photo Caption: CDPO Head Prosecutors Chiang Chin-hsing and Chen Ching-hui, joined by officials from the MJIB Chiayi City Service Station, the Chiayi City Government Economic Development Department, and the Chiayi City Police Bureau, conduct a joint surprise inspection at a local hypermarket.