New Anti-Corruption Act Toughens Penalties for Government Officials
Taipei, Taiwan - The Taiwanese government has passed a new law aimed at combating corruption among government officials. The “Anti-Corruption Act” sets stricter penalties for officials who engage in corrupt activities, including bribery, embezzlement, and other forms of malfeasance.
Stricter Penalties for Corruption
The new law introduces harsher penalties for government officials found guilty of corruption. Those who accept bribes or other forms of illegal compensation will face:
- Imprisonment for a term of no more than seven years
- Fines of up to NT$3 million
- Stripping of civil rights for a certain period
Additionally, those who fail to report corrupt activities within their ranks will face:
- Imprisonment for up to five years
- Fines of up to NT$500,000
Preventing Corruption in Government Contracts and Public Procurement Processes
The act also includes provisions aimed at preventing corruption in government contracts and public procurement processes. Officials found guilty of soliciting or accepting bribes in connection with these processes will face severe penalties, including:
- Imprisonment
- Fines
Reward for Whistleblowers
In addition to the criminal penalties, the new act establishes a system for rewarding those who report corruption and provide evidence against corrupt officials. This aims to create a culture of transparency and accountability within government agencies and promote public trust in the administration.
Key Provisions of the Act
- Increases penalties for bribery and other forms of corruption among government officials
- Introduces new penalties for officials who fail to report corrupt activities within their ranks
- Establishes a system for rewarding those who report corruption and provide evidence against corrupt officials
- Requires government agencies to establish internal ethics codes and conduct regular audits to prevent corruption
Penalties
- Bribery or other forms of corruption: imprisonment for up to seven years and fines of up to NT$3 million
- Failure to report corrupt activities: imprisonment for up to five years and fines of up to NT$500,000
- Soliciting or accepting bribes in connection with government contracts or public procurement processes: imprisonment and fines
Effective Date
The Anti-Corruption Act comes into effect on July 1, 2016, following its passage by the Taiwanese legislature last month. This new law is seen as a major step forward in the country’s efforts to combat corruption and improve governance.