Man in Taichung Sentenced to 1 Year and 2 Months for Forging Over 100 Hospitalization Certificates to Deceive Prosecutors

Central News Agency Report

(Central News Agency reporter Su Mu-chun, Taichung, June 16) A man surnamed Chang forged over 100 hospitalization diagnosis certificates by altering emergency medical documents to avoid mandatory drug rehabilitation and court appearances, and submitted them to the local prosecutor's office requesting leave. The Taichung District Prosecutors Office indicted Chang on charges of forging private documents, and the Taichung District Court recently sentenced him to 1 year and 2 months in prison, with the option to appeal.

According to the prosecution's indictment, Chang had received summonses from the Taiwan Taichung District Prosecutors Office due to prior cases involving robbery and violations of the Controlled Drugs Act, requiring him to undergo observation, mandatory rehabilitation, or appear in court between May and August 2024.

To help Chang evade these legal obligations, he and his wife, Ms. Yue, conspired for Chang to visit the emergency department of Dali Jen-Ai Hospital, obtain a diagnosis certificate, and then alter it by cutting and pasting to falsely indicate hospitalization was required. The forged documents were then mailed to the prosecutor's office to request leave and delay the execution of rehabilitation.

Prosecutors discovered the fraud during investigation. A total of over 100 forged diagnosis certificates were identified. Both Chang and Yue were indicted on charges of forgery of private documents under the Criminal Code.

The Taiwan Taichung District Court ruled that Chang's forgery of private documents obstructed the judicial system’s criminal prosecution, accuracy of drug observation and testing procedures, and wasted significant administrative and investigative resources. It also undermined the public credibility and evidentiary value of official documents.

On May 26, the Taichung District Court sentenced Chang to 1 year and 2 months in prison and Yue to 10 months, both eligible for commutation to a fine at a rate of NT$1,000 per day. The ruling may be appealed. (Edited by Hsiao Po-wen) 1150616

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