Hualien Deputy Magistrate Transferred for Questioning in School Lunch Bid-Rigging Case, Acting Secretary-General Released

(CNA, Hualien County, June 11, by reporter Chang Chi) The Hualien District Prosecutors Office is investigating a procurement scandal related to the Hualien County Government's school lunch program. Deputy Magistrate Yen Hsin-chang was searched by prosecutors on suspicion of illegally benefiting a contractor and was transferred to the prosecutors' office for further questioning at 11 p.m. Acting Secretary-General Jao Chung, who was questioned as a witness, was released after questioning around 11 p.m.

Prosecutors and investigators searched Yen's office, residence, and registered domicile around 8 a.m. today, taking both Yen and Jao to the investigation station for questioning.

At 10:05 p.m., Jao was transferred to the Hualien District Prosecutors Office for questioning and was released at 11:38 p.m. After over 15 hours of questioning, Yen Hsin-chang was transferred to the prosecutors' office at 11:45 p.m. He remained silent when questioned by the media.

Investigators have learned that in 2023, the Hualien County Government's Education Department handled a school lunch procurement project with a total budget of NT$270 million. Initially, seven companies submitted bids. The bid was nullified and re-announced allegedly because one of the companies was unqualified. A requirement for a five-year record of good performance was allegedly removed, allowing the originally unqualified company to bid.

Although the Hualien County Government's Education Department explained that the bidding process was cancelled due to administrative flaws and denied favoring any contractor, prosecutors found that the case involves complex relationships between officials and businesses, with suspected involvement of high-ranking county officials. The prosecution is continuing its investigation up the chain of command.

The Hualien District Prosecutors Office stated that it will provide an external update on the investigation's progress on the morning of June 12. (Editor: Chen Yen-chun) 1150612