Taiwan Quick Take: Customs officials caught

Twenty-five officials from the Keelung Customs Office were indicted yesterday on suspicion of accepting more than NT$33 million (US$1 million) in bribes. Prosecutors said the defendants helped a number of companies falsify paperwork for exported goods, listing lower prices to evade taxes. They estimate the companies involved avoided more than NT$1 billion in taxes. Prosecutors added that the customs officials not only took bribes, but were also often taken to hostess bars by the companies.