Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian's son-in-law was detained Thursday on suspicion of insider trading, sparking another scandal that is drawing angry criticism and red-faced embarrassment across the island, local media reported.

Chao Chien-ming, a doctor and husband of Chen's daughter, was accused of reaping millions of dollars by using insider information from the real estate developer Taiwan Development Corp(TDC).

The scandal, coupled with a string of others involving high ranking officials of Chen's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has triggered criticism across the island.

DPP has been demoralized by Chao's detention, "This is tantamount to sentencing the green camp to death," DPP member Wang Sing-nan said, referring to the colour of DPP.

"The DPP should be prepared to become the opposition party again," Wang said.

Ma Ying-jeou, the chairman of the Kuomintang Party, said he expected Taiwan's "judiciary" to try the case fairly and provide no favor to Chao because of his family background.

A media report said that the moment Chao was handcuffed signaled the collapse of the green camp, and no apology could reverse the scandal's negative effect to Chen.

(Xinhua News Agency May 26, 2006)