Taiwan legislator May Chin under investigation for alleged corruption and links to China
Prosecutors in Taiwan have raided legislator May Chin’s office and home, investigating her for alleged corruption and suspected receipt of political support from China. Devices were seized and multiple officials questioned.
- Independent legislator May Chin is being investigated for corruption, misuse of public funds and suspected Chinese political interference.
- Prosecutors raided 30 locations in Taiwan and questioned 18 individuals, including three local councillors.
- Allegations include fake staffing claims, illegal campaign funding and unauthorised distribution of Chinese-made medical kits.
Authorities in Taiwan have launched a criminal investigation into May Chin, a veteran lawmaker representing indigenous communities, over allegations of corruption, fraudulent staffing, and possible political funding from China.
The probe is being led by Taiwan’s Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau, under the direction of the Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office.
On 10 February 2026, law enforcement officers conducted early morning raids at Chin’s residence and later at her office in the national legislature.
Officials confiscated her computer hard drive, mobile phone and other electronic devices. According to prosecutors, the searches were carried out in accordance with legal procedures and are part of an ongoing investigation.
Chin, who has served in Taiwan’s parliament for more than 20 years, is suspected of claiming government funds for legislative assistants who never actually worked for her. Prosecutors say this would breach Taiwan’s Anti-Corruption Act.
Further allegations suggest Chin received campaign support from entities linked to the Chinese government, which would violate the island’s Anti-Infiltration Act—a law aimed at curbing foreign political interference, particularly from Beijing.
Prosecutors confirmed they searched 30 locations and summoned 18 individuals for questioning. Those reportedly include Chin’s long-time assistant, Chang Chun-chieh, and three local councillors from various regions of Taiwan.
One individual under scrutiny is Aljui Piyuvel, a former member of Chin’s campaign team and current city councillor. He is alleged to have distributed COVID-19 test kits made in China during Taiwan’s 2022 local elections. Though previously acquitted in a lower court, new evidence suggests the kits may have been supplied directly by Chin.
Authorities are now examining whether the kits were imported legally and whether they represent a channel of foreign influence.
The Legislative Yuan, Taiwan’s parliament, confirmed that Chin’s office was searched but stated that it was not informed of the case details due to the confidentiality of ongoing judicial procedures.
May Chin is a former actress-turned-politician who represents Taiwan’s highland indigenous communities.
Though officially an independent, she has historically aligned with pro-China political factions and is associated with Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT).
Chin’s public image has long been polarising. She has frequently participated in cultural and political events in China, including attending a 2015 military parade in Beijing.
She has described herself as a representative of Taiwan’s ethnic minorities within a broader Chinese identity—positions that have drawn domestic criticism and stirred controversy in Taiwan’s political landscape.
Prosecutors have also targeted Chin’s senior aide, Chang Chun-chieh, who is believed to play a central role in managing her political operations.
Chang’s wife, Yun Lisi—a prominent indigenous musician and former official at the Council of Indigenous Peoples—was also questioned and released on bail of NT$500,000 (approx. US$16,000).
Yun’s daughter, Yun Ya-shun, is married to well-known singer MatZka and has also been implicated in the investigation.
Sources familiar with Chin’s political network describe her inner circle as tightly controlled and cautious. Political allies are often chosen from grassroots backgrounds with similar ethnic and regional ties, particularly in southern Taiwan.
Chin’s early popularity among indigenous communities was bolstered by her celebrity status and post-disaster relief work following Typhoon Morakot in 2009.
She has also led community programmes, including archery competitions and the distribution of essential goods through local associations.
However, civil society watchdogs have frequently criticised Chin’s performance as a legislator, citing low attendance and limited participation in legislative debate and policymaking.
Taiwanese political parties have issued varied responses to the investigation. The opposition Kuomintang has called for the presumption of innocence, while ruling party members from the Democratic Progressive Party have accused Chin of serving Chinese interests and demanded transparency.
The investigation is ongoing, with prosecutors expected to release further updates in the coming weeks.
