The snowballing scandal surrounding the Zanadau project continued to grip the nation yesterday as top judiciary officials angrily denied allegations that they pressed for the release of a key suspect last Thursday in exchange for money.
Investigators voiced concerns that the court's failure to detain former KMT business chief Liu Tai-ying (劉泰英) provided the financier the opportunity to manipulate evidence with other witnesses.
Liu, now chairman of China Development Financial Holding Corp, is suspected of using his position to line his own pockets. Zanadau Development Corp major shareholder Su Hui-chen (蘇惠珍) has accused Liu of bilking over NT$1 billion from her in return for a promise to secure bank loans 10 times as much.
Weng Yueh-sheng (翁岳生), president of the Judicial Yuan, said he would immediately step down if it was proved he had intervened on Liu's behalf. He vowed to sack any judges who are found of peddling their influence.
Chinese-language media have run stories attributing Liu's unconditional release on last Thursday to under-the-table tradeoffs.
Some news reports say a heavyweight judiciary official approached Liu later to demand NT$50 million to return the favor.
"Integrity and impartiality are the life support of the judiciary branch," Weng said.
"I will not tolerate any officials engaging in influence-peddling. Even failed attempts to do so will be punished."
He said through aides that he would resign right away if his alleged malfeasance proved to be true.
Yang Jen-shou (
Taipei District Court Judge Liang Yao-bin (
"That explains why they feed the press with new leaks related to the Zanadau probe each day," he said.
Liu Shou-sung (劉壽嵩), another judge involved in the Liu case, urged all who dislike the ruling to seek redress through legal procedures rather than make irresponsible statements to mislead the public.
Prosecutors may appeal to the Taiwan High Court to request Liu's detention after they receive the official ruling from the Taipei District Court.
They can also summon Liu for further questioning at any time and detain him for a maximum of 24 hours, without the court's authorization.
Unnamed sources said Liu's remaining free has cast a shadow over the investigation, especially as the testimony of the witnesses has been consistent.
Liu, who went back to work the day after his release, has been admitted to a local hospital for hypertension. Aides would not reveal where.
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