A former deputy CEO at the Taiwanese Ministry of Economic Affairs' Green Energy Industry Promotion Center (GEIPC) has been arrested following allegations of corruption involving the fast-tracking of data center projects.

According to the Taiwan News report, Luke Cheng was arrested on suspicion of pressuring state-owned utility Taipower to fast-track a feeder line application for a data center project backed by Tungwei Construction and HD Renewable Energy.

In return, Cheng reportedly received a one time payment of NT$2 million (US$65,500) and a monthly payment of NT$100,000 (US$3,351).

Taiwanese authorities stated that the money was transferred to Cheng’s brother's account, and the cash was also transferred to other members of his family, leading prosecutors to launch a broader investigation into his relatives.

Cheng is a protege of former Taiwanese Premier Lin Chuan, who, when premier, appointed Cheng as director of the Cabinet’s Office of Energy and Carbon Reduction. Following this, Cheng became deputy CEO of GEIPC, the primary liaison for Taiwan’s offshore wind farm development.

His most recent position was lead of Taiwan Smart Electricity & Energy Co., responsible for selling electricity generated from offshore wind farms to small businesses and utility providers.