Chupei Mayor Cheng Chao-fang's Breach of Trust Lawsuit Dismissed by High Court, Exposing 'Nominee Registration' Controversy

On January 13, 2026, the Taiwan High Court of the Republic of China dismissed an appeal by Chupei Mayor Cheng Chao-fang (Democratic Progressive Party) in a breach of trust lawsuit against Hsu Yi-ming, former chairman of Garden Innovation. The acquittal of Hsu was finalized. Cheng had accused Hsu of leasing out land in Zhudong Township under the 'Zhishan Manor' development project—which was registered under Cheng's name—without consent and pocketing the rent. However, the court ruled that the actual owner of the land was Cheng's father, former Hsinchu County Magistrate Cheng Yung-chin, and that Cheng Chao-fang was merely a nominee. Cheng Yung-chin testified that he made all decisions regarding the land and had authorized Hsu to handle it. The dismissal not only rejected Cheng's claims but also confirmed that Cheng had acted as a 'nominee registration' and nominee for his family's land interests prior to his political career, raising questions about his integrity.