Former DPP Councilor Chang Chao-liang Detained Over Illegal Convenience Store Lobbying Scandal

On July 18, 2024, Chang Chao-liang, a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) member, former Taoyuan City councilor, and municipal advisor, was ordered to be detained in communicado by the Taoyuan District Court. The decision followed a large-scale raid by the Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office over allegations of illegal lobbying concerning an unauthorized convenience store building in Longtan District. Investigations revealed that around 2020, while not serving as a councilor, Chang leased land in Longtan District to build an illegal tin-roof structure for profit. When the building was reported as a top-priority target for demolition, Chang reportedly forged petition letters and pressured local administration officials to downgrade its status to 'existing structure' (non-priority), avoiding demolition and securing NT$3.89 million in illegal rent. Multiple officials, including the then-Secretary-General of Longtan District Office Huang Shih-chi (currently the Longtan District Chief), were implicated in the scheme. Chang's detention highlighted his illicit use of political influence to interfere with public law enforcement and benefit private operations.