Hualien Deputy County Magistrate Yen Hsin-Chang Returns to Work After Bail in School Lunch Corruption Case
Hualien Deputy County Magistrate Yen Hsin-Chang, released on NT$1 million bail over alleged corruption in a school lunch procurement scandal, returned to work normally the following morning. Prosecutors continue investigation into bid-rigging allegations.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 12, 2026 at 20:05
- 🔍 Collected: June 13, 2026 at 00:44 (4h 39m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 13, 2026 at 09:56 (9h 11m after Collected)
Central News Agency reporter Chang Chi, Hualien County, January 12
The Hualien County Government's initiative to provide free school lunches for elementary and junior high students has been embroiled in a procurement scandal. Prosecutors conducted two rounds of searches, and Deputy Magistrate Yen Hsin-Chang was transferred for questioning on suspicion of corruption. He was released on NT$1 million bail around 1 a.m. today and returned to the county office normally this morning.
In 2023, the Hualien County Government's Education Division launched a NT$270 million school lunch procurement project divided into 10 lots. Initially, seven companies submitted bids. One new entrant was disqualified in the first round for failing to meet the 'five-year outstanding performance' requirement.
Subsequently, the county government invalidated the tender due to administrative flaws and re-launched the bidding process. In the second round, the five-year outstanding performance threshold was removed, allowing the new company to qualify and win a contract worth over NT$27 million.
This move drew criticism from several county councilors, who accused the government of favoring specific vendors. Prosecutors initiated an investigation. The county government explained that the initial bid was invalidated due to administrative oversights during the opening process and emphasized that all procedures followed legal protocols.
On December 12, prosecutors conducted coordinated searches at the Education Division and other locations. The former Lu-surnamed section chief of the Education Division was released on NT$200,000 bail. Kuomintang councilor Wu Tung-sheng, and vendors surnamed Cho and Liao were each released on NT$300,000 bail.
Following an upward investigation, prosecutors searched Yen Hsin-Chang's office, residence, and household registration address yesterday. Yen and Acting Secretary-General Rao Chung were summoned for questioning. After interrogation, Yen was released on NT$1 million bail on suspicion of violating the Anti-Corruption Act, with restrictions on residence, departure from Taiwan, and maritime travel. Witness Rao Chung was released.
Liao Jung-kuan, Chief Prosecutor of the Hualien District Prosecutors Office, stated today that the highest approval level for tender and cancellation documents reached the deputy magistrate. He confirmed that evidence indicates Yen is heavily implicated and that the investigation will continue. Further actions, including additional searches, remain possible if new evidence emerges.
Hualien County Council Speaker Chang Chun posted on Facebook that the school lunch scandal continues to escalate, damaging public trust in the government, the county administration, and civil service integrity. He expressed support for judicial authorities to uncover the truth and clarify responsibilities. The Hualien County branch of the Democratic Progressive Party urged Yen to voluntarily resign or suspend his duties to avoid perceptions of using his position to influence the investigation.
Despite a lengthy interrogation yesterday, Yen returned to the county office today as usual. The Hualien County Government stated that the principle of 'presumption of innocence until proven guilty' applies, and Yen's duties remain unaffected. The government pledged to fully cooperate with judicial investigations to clarify the facts. (Edited by Chen Jen-hua) 1150612
The Hualien County Government's initiative to provide free school lunches for elementary and junior high students has been embroiled in a procurement scandal. Prosecutors conducted two rounds of searches, and Deputy Magistrate Yen Hsin-Chang was transferred for questioning on suspicion of corruption. He was released on NT$1 million bail around 1 a.m. today and returned to the county office normally this morning.
In 2023, the Hualien County Government's Education Division launched a NT$270 million school lunch procurement project divided into 10 lots. Initially, seven companies submitted bids. One new entrant was disqualified in the first round for failing to meet the 'five-year outstanding performance' requirement.
Subsequently, the county government invalidated the tender due to administrative flaws and re-launched the bidding process. In the second round, the five-year outstanding performance threshold was removed, allowing the new company to qualify and win a contract worth over NT$27 million.
This move drew criticism from several county councilors, who accused the government of favoring specific vendors. Prosecutors initiated an investigation. The county government explained that the initial bid was invalidated due to administrative oversights during the opening process and emphasized that all procedures followed legal protocols.
On December 12, prosecutors conducted coordinated searches at the Education Division and other locations. The former Lu-surnamed section chief of the Education Division was released on NT$200,000 bail. Kuomintang councilor Wu Tung-sheng, and vendors surnamed Cho and Liao were each released on NT$300,000 bail.
Following an upward investigation, prosecutors searched Yen Hsin-Chang's office, residence, and household registration address yesterday. Yen and Acting Secretary-General Rao Chung were summoned for questioning. After interrogation, Yen was released on NT$1 million bail on suspicion of violating the Anti-Corruption Act, with restrictions on residence, departure from Taiwan, and maritime travel. Witness Rao Chung was released.
Liao Jung-kuan, Chief Prosecutor of the Hualien District Prosecutors Office, stated today that the highest approval level for tender and cancellation documents reached the deputy magistrate. He confirmed that evidence indicates Yen is heavily implicated and that the investigation will continue. Further actions, including additional searches, remain possible if new evidence emerges.
Hualien County Council Speaker Chang Chun posted on Facebook that the school lunch scandal continues to escalate, damaging public trust in the government, the county administration, and civil service integrity. He expressed support for judicial authorities to uncover the truth and clarify responsibilities. The Hualien County branch of the Democratic Progressive Party urged Yen to voluntarily resign or suspend his duties to avoid perceptions of using his position to influence the investigation.
Despite a lengthy interrogation yesterday, Yen returned to the county office today as usual. The Hualien County Government stated that the principle of 'presumption of innocence until proven guilty' applies, and Yen's duties remain unaffected. The government pledged to fully cooperate with judicial investigations to clarify the facts. (Edited by Chen Jen-hua) 1150612
FAQ
What is the Hualien school lunch procurement scandal?
A public tender for school lunches in Hualien County raised suspicions of procedural flaws and favoritism, leading to investigations involving the deputy magistrate.
What are the allegations against Deputy Magistrate Yen Hsin-Chang?
He was transferred on suspicion of corruption, released on NT$1 million bail, and suspected of improperly influencing vendor selection during the re-tendering process.
Why was the initial bid canceled and re-announced?
The county cited administrative flaws in the opening process, invalidated the bid, and removed the 'five-year outstanding performance' requirement in the re-tender.
What are the implications of this case?
Public trust in county governance is eroding, with demands for transparent investigations and accountability from lawmakers and citizens.
How large is the school lunch budget?
The 2023 school lunch budget in Hualien County was NT$270 million, divided into 10 lots with multiple vendors involved.