As the "2026 Nine-in-One Local Elections" enter a heated phase, the Chiayi District Prosecutors Office (CYPO) is taking proactive measures to block illicit interests and emerging technological methods from interfering with the elections. On July 2, 2026, CYPO Chief Prosecutor Tsai Tzung-Shi—accompanied by Head Prosecutors Chen Jing-hui and Jiang Jin-xing, alongside District-Supervising Prosecutors Yeh Mei-ching, Chou Hsin-chieh, Lai Yun-yu, and Chang Chien-chiang—visited the Shuisang Division of the Chiayi County Police Bureau and the Second Division of the Chiayi City Police Bureau. Chief Prosecutor Tsai personally hosted regional forums focused on investigating election interference, demonstrating CYPO’s firm resolve to crack down on bribery across jurisdictions.

In addition to prosecutorial authorities, the forums brought together key heads and representatives from various agencies, including:

• Gu Rui-lin, Commissioner of the Chiayi County Police Bureau

• Chen Ming-zhi, Commissioner of the Chiayi City Police Bureau

• Zeng Wen-yong, Chief of the Shuisang Division

• Lin Si-miao, Chief of the Second Division

• Wu Zhen-yi, Deputy Director of the Chiayi County Station, Investigation Bureau (MJIB)

• Tang Wei-yan, Deputy Director of the Chiayi City Station, Investigation Bureau (MJIB)

• Luo Jin-ding, Captain of the Chiayi County Specialized Operation Brigade, National Immigration Agency

• Tu Shun-fu, Captain of the Chiayi City Specialized Operation Brigade, National Immigration Agency

• Representatives from the Ethics Departments of both Chiayi County and City Governments, as well as ethics offices of the local townships and districts within the police divisions' jurisdictions.

Intelligence indicates that as political parties and local factions intertwine across districts, grassroots political maneuvering has become intense. CYPO conducted a rigorous review of the election climate, focusing on the designated "bribery hot zones" within the two major police divisions:

• Shuisang Division Jurisdiction (First Electoral District): Areas such as Taibao City have become development hotspots due to major projects like the TSMC advanced packaging plant and the Chiayi Science Park. Consequently, the political climate is extremely tense, with competition for local chief executive and councilor seats reaching unprecedented levels.

• Chiayi City Second Division Jurisdiction (East District): This district features a battle between internet celebrities and political newcomers. The high-profile nature of this race makes it highly susceptible to novel forms of online mobilization and illegal election gambling rings, making it a primary target for CYPO's tech-driven investigations.

During the session, Chief Prosecutor Tsai provided practical guidance, pointing out that past bribery cases often relied solely on a "single testimony," which frequently led to insufficient proof. Since vote-buying offenses are penalized under the principle of "one penalty for each crime," establishing "corroborating evidence" is vital to securing precise convictions. He directed grassroots law enforcement personnel to implement the following four refined investigative techniques:

1. Pinpoint Precise Time and Space: Ensure that the exact time and location are meticulously documented when taking statements.

2. Prove Physical Presence on the Scene: Retrieve footage from intersection surveillance cameras, dashcams, and other sources to prove that the suspect was indeed present at the scene at that specific moment.

3. Delve into the Details of the Bribe: Conduct thorough follow-up questioning regarding the suspect's attire, appearance, and physical actions when handing over the money to serve as strong supporting evidence.

4. Track Subsequent Money Trails: Trace how the recipients spent the bribe money to uncover further circumstantial evidence in the surrounding area.

The Chiayi District Prosecutors Office specially reminds the public and law enforcement officers that the crime of offering bribes for votes constitutes an "abstract endangerment offense" (abstract risk crime). A crime is established as long as the act of bribery carries the potential to compromise the fairness of the election; it is not necessary to successfully alter a voter's intent. Regarding cases involving "sponsored tours or banquets," the threshold for prosecution can still be met even if some of the attendees do not hold voting rights. As for "ghost voters" (voters who falsely register their address), the office will proactively cross-reference and fully audit any abnormal household registrations in fiercely contested areas. In terms of developing informants ("planting mines"), operations will extend deep into the grassroots level, with the highest standards of protection guaranteed for whistleblowers' identities. Reporting illegal activities yields high cash rewards, which are subject to separate taxation and will not affect low-income welfare eligibility.

The "Election Interference Investigation Task Force" of the Chiayi District Prosecutors Office is now fully operational. The force is entirely focused on countering four core challenges: "strictly investigating bribery and violence, severing illegal gambling rings, blocking AI deepfake disinformation, and cutting off foreign interference in elections."

To encourage citizens to jointly safeguard a clean election culture, CYPO is actively promoting the reward guidelines for reporting election interference:

• Foreign Interference in Elections: Maximum reward of NT$20 million

• Vote-Buying (Bribery): Maximum reward of NT$10 million

• Election Gambling Rings: Maximum reward of NT$5 million

Chiayi District Prosecutors Office Toll-Free Whistleblower Hotline: 0800-024099 (Press 4)