TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A police officer in Miaoli has been charged for allegedly leaking investigative details to a fraud ring and warning them to withdraw their money mules, authorities said Tuesday.

The Dahu Precinct reported the case to the Miaoli District Prosecutors Office, leading to the arrest of the alleged ringleader, surnamed Lin (林), along with the officer and three others. Prosecutors have charged them and are seeking heavy sentences, per CNA.

The precinct launched an internal probe after discovering that the officer, surnamed Kao (高), had close ties to the fraud group. He was suspected of leaking information about police crackdowns.

Multiple raids were conducted in late February. Lin and three other members of the fraud ring were arrested, while Kao was taken in for questioning.

Investigators found that Kao had twice used his position to leak police enforcement details to the fraud ring. He had instructed Lin to remove the group’s money mules, obstructing law enforcement efforts. Following questioning, Kao was released on NT$50,000 (US$1,512) bail.

The Miaoli District Prosecutors Office said the investigation has concluded, and all five suspects have been formally charged. Kao faces charges under Article 132 of Taiwan’s Criminal Code for leaking non-defense-related confidential information, as well as Articles 134 and 164 for abusing his official position to aid a fugitive.

Prosecutors said Kao was aware of the widespread impact of fraud crimes and the financial devastation suffered by victims. 

To uphold police integrity and judicial credibility, prosecutors urged the court to impose a sentence that cannot be converted into a fine and to deny probation as a deterrent. The precinct has submitted a request for Kao’s suspension under police personnel regulations and said it would hold supervisors accountable for oversight failures.