Former Taoyuan Councilor Chang Chao-liang Indicted with 10-Year Prison Term Requested for Lobbying for Illegal Convenience Store

On November 13, 2024, the Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office of the Republic of China concluded its investigation into former Taoyuan City councilor Chang Chao-liang (Democratic Progressive Party) and formally indicted him on charges including profit-seeking under the Anti-Corruption Act, requesting a 10-year prison sentence. According to the indictment, around 2020, during a period when Chang was not serving as a councilor, he leased land in Longtan District to build an illegal tin-roof structure and rented it to a convenience store operator. After the building was reported as 'under construction and illegal' (which is categorized as a top-priority target for demolition), Chang allegedly forged petition letters and pressured officials at the Longtan District Office and the Office of Building Administration. Through this lobbying, officials relaxed enforcement, reclassifying the structure as an 'existing building' (a non-priority target for demolition) to allow the convenience store to continue operating. Chang allegedly gained over NT$3.89 million in illegal rent from this scheme. The prosecutors urged the court to impose a harsh sentence, highlighting how local political forces interfere with administrative law enforcement and shield illegal structures.