Taiwanese prosecutors say this is a serious national security case, accusing a sitting lawmaker of taking Chinese government money to build a political operation and sway parliament.

• Independent legislator Kao Chin Su-mei and three aides are charged with national security violations and corruption for allegedly taking about NT$170 million from Chinese officials.
• Prosecutors say the money was funneled through friends' and family's bank accounts to build a political team covering elections, indigenous communities, and legislative work.
• They say Kao Chin acted on instructions from Chinese officials, including protesting Japan over historical disputes, opposing arms purchases, and backing curriculum changes, in exchange for the funding.
• Prosecutors are seeking 14 years in prison for Kao Chin and 15 years for her chief aide, who allegedly sent people to China for training and later fled the country after cutting off his monitoring bracelet.
• Two other aides confessed, returned the money they received, and testified against the others, with prosecutors asking for lighter sentences for them.

Outlook: The case moves to a Taiwan High Court detention hearing, with trial to determine guilt and final sentencing still ahead.