TAIPEI: Taiwanese authorities said Thursday (Nov 2) they are investigating claims that supporters for Foxconn founder Terry Gou had offered toilet paper in exchange for signatures needed for his presidential bid.
Gou – who gave up Foxconn’s management reins four years ago – announced in August his intention to run in Taiwan’s January presidential elections.
The 73-year-old needs to gather 290,000 signatures by Thursday to qualify as an independent candidate.
Prosecutors in western Yunlin county said they had questioned 13 people and raided several locations on Wednesday over suspected bribery in Gou’s signature campaign.
Four suspects offered a carton of toilet paper worth around NT$900 (US$28) to staff of a farmers’ association in exchange for each signature, according to prosecutors.