Police are trying to confirm whether fugitive Chu An-hsiung (
Chu's wife, Wu Te-mei (
Hou said the bureau is working with Chinese police to track down Chu, the former Kaohsiung City council speaker sentenced to 22 months in jail for buying votes.
"We have a close relationship with the Chinese police. But please don't get me wrong; they always want to help us crack down on criminals. That is something we have in common," Hou said.
"They always reply whenever we file a request. As a result, I am quite sure Chu will be nailed if he is in Zhuhai," he said.
Hou made the remarks at a meeting of the legislature's Judicial Committee yesterday morning.
"We always work hand in hand when it comes to cracking down on crime. As soon as they provide further details, the bureau will make it public immediately," Hou said.
While Hou was making his remarks, Wu told reporters that somebody called her late on Wednesday night saying that Chu is Zhuhai.
She said that the person was a "reliable" source from the NSB but she does not know to which department this source belongs.
"Basically, I believe what I was told. As long as he [Chu] is safe, everything will be fine," Wu said.
Kaohsiung District Prosecutors' Office spokesman Chou Chang-chin (
Chou said, however, that their investigation does not show that Chu has fled Taiwan.
"Regarding the rumor that Chu is in Zhuhai, I would not presume as much," Chou said. "Wu said that Chu is there but she could not provide further evidence to endorse her statement."
Investigators' "reliable sources" have said Chu is still in Taiwan, according to Chou.
Chou reminded Chu's supporters, relatives and friends not to help him hide or escape.
"Anybody who does so [is in violation] of the Criminal Code and could be jailed for up to two years," he said.
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