Taipei: Former National Fire Agency (NFA) chief Huang Chi-min has been found guilty on seven corruption-related charges with a combined sentence of 55 years and eight months, though four other counts will be subject to a retrial, according to the Supreme Court.

According to Focus Taiwan, the Supreme Court upheld the Taiwan High Court's April 2022 ruling finding Huang guilty on seven counts, including bribery, money laundering, and profiteering, handing down a sentence totaling 55 years and eight months. The Supreme Court noted that due to factual ambiguities, insufficient reasoning, and contradictions in the judgments, the rulings on four other counts have been vacated and remanded to the lower court for retrial.

Huang's total prison term will be determined by the Taiwan High Court. He may begin serving his sentence before the court rules on a consolidated sentence and concludes the retrial on the four remaining charges. The Supreme Court has notified prosecutors to prevent Huang from fleeing the country.

Huang was indicted in 2012 and 2013 for pocketing NT$20.76 million (US$664,585) by rigging bids for disaster relief equipment procurement between 2002 and 2006. These activities spanned much of his tenure as agency chief from 2003 to 2009. A total of 20 others were indicted in connection with the cases involving Huang.