Taiwan’s Spectacularly Broken System: A Masterclass in Corruption and Judicial Failure

Taiwan is widely recognized internationally as a modern democracy and a society committed to human rights and rule of law. However, my personal experience, together with publicly reported corruption cases in recent years, raises serious concerns about gaps between these ideals and actual practice. Having lived, worked, and invested in Taiwan since 2009, I offer this account not as hostility toward Taiwan, but as a call for transparency, accountability, and reform.

I did not merely visit Taiwan — I built a business there. My language consulting work operated successfully for years until a legal dispute with a landlord led to prolonged judicial proceedings that ultimately forced me to leave Taiwan under threat of imprisonment. Despite the existence of multiple witnesses and supporting evidence, I believe key facts were not meaningfully considered in court. The outcome resulted in the loss of my business, my home, and my livelihood.

While my experience is personal, it raises broader questions about systemic safeguards within Taiwan’s legal and administrative institutions. Concerns about corruption, judicial misconduct, and abuse of process have also appeared in public reporting and official investigations over the past several years.

Reported Corruption and Governance Concerns: 2020–2024

2020

1. Taipei Dome controversy — Investigations and public debate concerning procurement transparency and regulatory oversight.
2. Judicial corruption investigations — Reports of judges and prosecutors investigated or charged in bribery-related cases.
3. Green energy sector investigations — Allegations of bribery involving local officials connected to development projects.
4. Organized crime influence (“black-gold politics”) — Ongoing concerns regarding criminal influence in political and economic processes.
5. Lobbying regulation concerns — The Control Yuan noted weaknesses in enforcement of lobbying regulations.

2021

1. Legislative corruption investigations — Multiple officials investigated in connection with bribery and influence-related allegations.
2. National Women’s League asset dispute — Legal proceedings regarding historical party assets and financial transparency.
3. Broadcasting Corporation of China asset investigations
4. Central Motion Picture Corporation asset proceedings
5. China Youth Corps asset review

2022

1. Local police corruption cases — Investigations involving bribery related to gambling operations.
2. Financial misconduct allegations involving political figures
3. Fraud and loan-related forgery cases involving public officials
4. Money laundering investigations
5. Vote-buying investigations in local elections

2023

1. Municipal governance investigations involving public expense claims.
2. Political and property development relationship concerns
3. Defamation and academic integrity disputes involving public officials
4. Continuation of historical asset disputes
5. Ongoing political asset litigation

2024

1. Property-related investigations involving senior political figures
2. Legislative corruption arrests
3. Bribery investigations across multiple political parties
4. Embezzlement and public fund misuse investigations
5. Judicial misconduct allegations under investigation

My Personal Experience Within This Context

My own case unfolded within this broader environment of institutional concern. During a dispute involving rental safety conditions and contractual obligations, I attempted to present evidence and witness testimony in court. I believe these materials were not adequately considered. As a foreign resident with limited Chinese language ability, I also faced significant barriers in understanding legal documents and proceedings.

The outcome was severe: loss of my business operations, financial damage, and the need to leave Taiwan to avoid imprisonment. From my perspective, the case raises serious questions about procedural fairness, proportionality of punishment, and equal treatment before the law.

Why This Matters

This account is not an attack on Taiwan as a society. Rather, it is an appeal for stronger institutional safeguards, transparency in judicial processes, and meaningful protection for both citizens and foreign residents. A system committed to justice must ensure that evidence is fully considered, defendants can understand proceedings, and legal outcomes are proportionate.

Where concerns about corruption or procedural failure arise, open examination and reform strengthen — rather than weaken — democratic institutions.

For additional information about my case and supporting documentation:

Read the full case documentation here.