The Special Investigation Division (SID) says it has not found any evidence that President Ma Ying-jeou received an illicit donation from the scandal-ridden Ting Hsin Group.
The SID made the announcement in a press conference on Thursday. It started an investigation after radio host Clara Chou alleged that Ma received political donations worth NT$200 million (over US$6 million) from the Ting Hsin Group, which was implicated in several food safety scandals. Chou also accused Ma of being the group’s “guardian angel”.
At the press conference, the SID said there is no evidence that the Ting Hsin Group donated funds to Ma. It also said the case will therefore be closed.
Presidential Office spokesman Charles Chen said the president welcomes the SID’s decision.
"President Ma Ying-jeou is happy that the legal system has confirmed his innocence. I must stress that President Ma has always adhered to the principle of integrity, and he has always reported all his personal assets and political donations to the authorities in accordance with the law," said Chen.