Taipei: The Taipei District Court has ruled that a former National Security Bureau (NSB) official, who has been evading justice for nearly 25 years, cannot be tried or punished for corruption due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.

According to Focus Taiwan, Liu Kuan-chun, who once held the rank of colonel, was accused of embezzling NT$190 million (US$6.12 million) from NSB funds designated for secret government projects. Liu fled to China in September 2000, before his indictment by prosecutors on November 12, 2003, and was subsequently listed as wanted by the Taipei District Court on May 21, 2004.

The court explained that under Taiwan’s legal framework, the statute of limitations for corruption charges is 20 years, with an additional 5 years added due to Liu’s fugitive status. The period commenced on April 2, 1999, the day Liu’s criminal activities concluded, establishing the deadline for legal action as February 24, 2025, which has already elapsed.

Despite the closure of the corruption case, the ruling can be appealed. Prosecutors have managed to recover some of the misappropriated funds. Approximately NT$129 million of the allegedly embezzled money was recouped in March 2023 when shares owned by Liu were seized and liquidated.

A re-examination of Liu’s case by the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office in 2021 revealed suspicions of his surrender to the Chinese government and involvement in espionage activities. He remains wanted on charges related to espionage.