Taiwan Steps Up Security Against Transnational Repression Ahead of Elections
Taiwan's government is tightening security around candidates and tracking down local collaborators in cross-border intimidation cases, a move aimed at protecting the integrity of this month's elections.
- Premier Cho Jung-tai ordered prosecutors, police, and intelligence agencies to boost protection for candidates and key public figures ahead of the November 28 local elections and referendum.
- Authorities are cracking down on "transnational repression" — cases where foreign forces harass or intimidate people inside Taiwan — and tracing both the masterminds abroad and the local people helping them.
- A separate anti-money-laundering sweep this year caught over 200 cases and nearly 600 people moving illegal funds tied to vote-buying and election gambling, seizing roughly NT$900 million.
- Police have logged nine transnational repression cases this year, including an attack on a Hong Kong activist and intimidation tied to a documentary about forced organ harvesting; four have led to charges, five are still under investigation.
- Officials are also watching for deepfakes and disinformation meant to interfere with the vote.
Outlook: Expect heightened security and more enforcement actions in the lead-up to the November 28 elections as Taiwan tries to blunt foreign interference and protect candidates.