Prosecutors in Miaoli County are investigating an alleged case of cryptocurrency-based election betting conducted through the decentralized prediction platform Polymarket, according to local reports.
The Miaoli District Prosecutors Office said a man surnamed Huang was identified on April 22 for placing virtual currency bets on which political party would win the most county and city magistrate seats in Taiwan’s upcoming local elections scheduled for November 28, 2026. The case is being handled under Article 103-1 of the Civil Servants Election and Recall Act, which prohibits gambling on election outcomes via the internet.
Authorities said election betting operations often attempt to manipulate public perception by adjusting odds to influence wagering behavior. Prosecutors warned that individuals enticed by favorable odds could potentially alter their voting intentions or attempt to sway other voters in order to secure gambling gains, creating what officials described as an improper effect on electoral fairness.
The office noted that with the rise of internet technology and cryptocurrency, election gambling has shifted from physical betting operations to digital, anonymous and cross-border platforms. Officials cautioned that such mechanisms could be exploited by external forces seeking to interfere in domestic elections.
Prosecutors emphasized that cracking down on election-related gambling is a top enforcement priority ahead of the year-end vote. Measures include early detection, rapid investigation, tracing upstream organizers and public communication to prevent further spread.
Authorities are encouraging the public to report suspected election betting activities. Whistleblowers may receive rewards of up to NT$5m. During the 2022 local elections, prosecutors distributed more than NT$17.79m in tip rewards related to election violations.
Authorities previously paid more than NT$17.79m in election-related tip rewards during past local polls
