TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — First Financial Holding on Friday said a police search carried out the previous day at its subsidiary, First Commercial Bank, is unrelated to the bank’s normal operations.

Taipei City Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division searched the bank’s Yilan branch on Thursday and interviewed employees as part of an ongoing investigation. According to media outlet ETtoday, the case involves suspected money laundering.

Multiple fraudulent accounts were reportedly opened with the assistance of bank personnel. Authorities reportedly brought in four women and one man for questioning.

First Financial stated that the investigation has no significant impact on the bank's financial standing or business activities. It also assured the public that all services remain fully operational and that customer interests are being protected.

One of Taiwan’s top 10 domestic banks by capital, First Commercial Bank has a registered capital of NT$110 billion (US$3.7 billion). It operates 183 branches across Taiwan and maintains 31 overseas branches and offices.

Citing confidentiality during judicial review, the bank declined to provide further comment but reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy toward illegal conduct and pledged full cooperation with authorities. It said appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the law once the investigation concludes.