Taipei prosecutors yesterday urged Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation (TRTC) employees who allegedly changed the configuration of EasyCards to ride the MRT for free, to turn themselves in as prosecutors have begun their investigation into the case.
"We have just begun our investigation," said Chen Hung-ta (陳宏達), the spokesman for the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office.
"At this juncture, we would urge them to turn themselves in. If they cooperate with us throughout the investigation process, prosecutors will consider suggesting an easier sentence for them when they are indicted."
Chen said that certain TRTC employees may have violated Article 201-1 of the Criminal Code.
That Article reads: "A person who counterfeits or alters a government bond, stock certificate or other valuable security with the intent of putting it into circulation shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than three and not more than 10 years; in addition thereto, a fine of not more than NT$3,000 may be imposed."
Up to now, neither the Taipei City Government nor the TRTC have reported to the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office over the issue. Chen said that prosecutors decided to begin their investigation into the case anyway, because the case concerns fraud and a violation of public interests.
Chen said the prosecutors' office regarded the case as a fraud case. As of press time yesterday, prosecutors had not yet decided to summon any witnesses or suspects who may be involved in the case.
Chen said that prosecutors may begin issuing the necessary summonses in the next few days.
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