Taiwanese authorities have detained the chairman of the Taiwan People's Communist Party over allegations that he accepted money and instructions from China to influence the island's upcoming local elections, the Central News Agency (CNA) reported.

Lin Te-wang, who founded the party in 2017, is accused of receiving financial support and directions from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to contest the ward chief election in Tainan's Xinying District. Prosecutors also allege that he arranged for another party member to contest an election in Hsinchu and helped fund his campaign.

After questioning Lin, the Tainan District Prosecutors Office sought his detention under Taiwan's Anti-Infiltration Act and Election and Recall Act. Prosecutors argued that he could flee or coordinate with others to destroy evidence. The Tainan District Court approved the request and ordered him held incommunicado.

The Tainan and Hsinchu District Prosecutors' Offices jointly investigated the case after receiving information about attempts by overseas forces to interfere in Taiwan's November 28 local elections.

The joint investigation team conducted simultaneous searches on Friday. It questioned 13 suspects in Tainan and one suspect and nine witnesses in Hsinchu, CNA reported.

Investigators allege that Lin instructed Chen Zhen-zhou, a member of the party's Central Committee, to contest the ward chief election in Wuling, located in Hsinchu City's North District.

Local media reports cited by CNA said Lin allegedly received money and instructions from a suspected Chinese infiltration source. He was then accused of directing and financing Chen's election campaign.

Prosecutors also allege that Lin and Chen repeatedly arranged trips to China for eligible voters, with all expenses covered. Investigators suspect these trips were intended to influence voters and could constitute vote-buying under Taiwan's Election and Recall Act.

The Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office also requested Chen's detention. However, the Hsinchu District Court released him on bail of NT$50,000 (approximately US$1,525). The court also directed him to remain at his registered residence.

The Hsinchu prosecutors' office is expected to appeal the decision. Meanwhile, other suspects and witnesses questioned during the investigation have been released as the inquiry continues, CNA reported.