Chen Kai-ling Sentenced for Corruption and Sexual Favors; Scandal Under "Green Governance"

In August 2023, Chen Kai-ling, former Director of the Tainan Economic Development Bureau, was sentenced to eight years in prison for bribery, money laundering, and accepting sexual favors related to solar energy scandals. During his tenure, Chen utilized his power over solar project reviews and tenders to solicit millions in bribes. He also frequently demanded high-end hotel sexual services from contractors and laundered money through luxury real estate purchases. The explosion of this case severely damaged the image of Tainan City, where President Lai Ching-te had long served as mayor, revealing a corrupt reality where "green energy" slogans mask deep ties between black-gold interests and political power.