JIMMY LAI ACCUSED OF PAYING EX-US OFFICIALS $3.25 MILLION TO ADVISE TAIWAN’S TSAI ING-WEN

In a shocking revelation during a national security trial, prosecutors have accused media tycoon Jimmy Lai of paying two former US officials a staggering $3.25 million to brief ex-Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen regarding Washington’s stance towards the self-ruled island.

Prosecutor Anthony Chau disclosed on Friday that Lai, who is currently incarcerated, allegedly paid Jack Keane, a retired US army general, and Paul Wolfowitz, ex-US deputy secretary of defense, a sum of at least $3.25 million to provide a two-year “consultancy” service to Tsai between 2017 and 2019. This move was made shortly after Donald Trump’s election as US president in 2016, aiming to advise Tsai about the new administration’s stance towards Taiwan.

WHATSAPP MESSAGES REVEAL DETAILS OF PAYMENTS

Chau highlighted WhatsApp messages from July 29, 2018, where Lai inquired about a remittance of HK$14.9 million to Canada for “special projects” in the US. Lai’s aide, Mark Simon, confirmed that the payment was for Keane and Wolfowitz, explaining that they paid the pair through Canada due to their aversion to taxes. The breakdown of the payment included $750,000 per year for each official, a $250,000 “gift payment” to Keane, and additional expenses like trip reimbursements.

During the court proceedings, Lai mentioned that Rupert, a Taiwan expert, accompanied Keane and Wolfowitz on trips to the island. Despite this, he denied any knowledge of the $3.25 million sum paid to the pair, emphasizing that he was not aware of the details.

CONTROVERSY SURROUNDS TRIPS AND CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT

The trial further delved into text message exchanges between Lai and Simon, where plans for multiple trips to Asian territories, including Taiwan, Vietnam, and Japan, were discussed as part of the consultancy service. While Lai dismissed these as mere suggestions that never materialized, evidence suggested that the officials had indeed visited places beyond Taiwan. Lai expressed surprise at this revelation, indicating a lack of recollection regarding trips to other destinations.

Moreover, Lai admitted to paying NT$5.8 million to Antonio Chiang, Tsai’s close associate, between late 2017 and early 2020. The tycoon clarified that Chiang, a former employee of his media divisions in Taiwan, ceased writing articles for the newspapers after joining Tsai’s team. However, an email exchange revealed a continuation of payments to Chiang, prompting Lai to order an immediate halt upon discovering the situation.

As the trial unfolds, more details are expected to emerge regarding Lai’s involvement with foreign officials and the implications of his actions on national security. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.