Prosecutors launch probe into accusations involving submarine program
ROC Central News Agency
10/02/2023 09:06 PM
Taipei, Oct. 2 (CNA) An investigation has been launched into allegations of interference and information leaks involving Taiwan's indigenous submarine program, the Supreme Prosecutors Office said Monday.
The case is currently being handled by the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office and the Taipei District Prosecutors Office, the highest prosecution authority said in a short statement.
Huang Shu-kuang (黃曙光), convener of the Indigenous Defense Submarine program, was recently quoted by local media as accusing an unnamed lawmaker of "continually sabotaging" the construction of the submarine prototype and making it difficult for the government to purchase key parts from foreign suppliers.
Huang reportedly added that local arms dealers also leaked information about the submarine to a Chinese embassy after failing to win the bid.
In a more explicit accusation, Kuo Hsi (郭璽), a former arms dealer and advisor to the Navy and a prospective candidate in the upcoming legislative election in Kaohsiung, identified the individual allegedly behind the sabotage and information leaks as Kuomintang (KMT) Legislator Ma Wen-chun (馬文君), who is also a member of the Foreign and National Defense Committee.
Huang's accusations has attracted significant attention given the national security and defense implications, the Supreme Prosecutors Office said.
Ma later filed charges against Kuo for aggravated defamation, with the latter responding by filing the same charges on Monday, while also seeking NT$3 million (US$92,956) in damages.
Minister of Justice Tsai Ching-hsiang (蔡清祥) said prosecutors are looking into the submarine case which he added would be handled in accordance with the law, regardless of party affiliation or status.
(By Hsieh Hsing-en, Wang Yang-yu and Ko Lin)
Enditem/AW
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