Hualien Prosecutors Investigate School Lunch Bidding Scandal, 6 Released on Bail, Investigation Continues Upward
The Hualien District Prosecutors Office is investigating a school lunch bidding scandal, with six individuals, including a former section chief of the county government's education department, a councilor, and contractors, released on bail. The investigation suggests complex official-business relations and suspected involvement of high-ranking county government officials, prompting continued upward investigation.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 13, 2026 at 18:47
- 🔍 Collected: May 13, 2026 at 19:02 (14 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 13, 2026 at 19:29 (27 min after Collected)
（Central News Agency reporter Chang Chi, Hualien County 13th）The Hualien District Prosecutors Office is investigating a school lunch bidding scandal, with six individuals currently released on bail, including a former section chief of the county government's education department, a councilor, and contractors. Prosecutors and anti-corruption investigators found that the case involves complex official-business relations and suspected involvement of high-ranking county government officials, and the investigation will continue upward.
Hualien District Prosecutors Office Chief Prosecutor Liao Jung-kuan explained this afternoon that eight individuals, including former section chief Lu of the Hualien County Education Department's Sports and Health Section, are suspected of violating the Anti-Corruption Act and other offenses. Yesterday, they directed the Hualien County Investigation Station of the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau and the Northern Region Investigation Division of the Agency Against Corruption, Ministry of Justice, to conduct searches at 14 locations, including the Education Department, seizing relevant evidence and summoning former section chief Lu and six others, as well as relevant witnesses, for questioning.
After re-interrogation by prosecutors, former section chief Lu was released on bail of NT$200,000, with restrictions on residence, exit, and sea travel. Kuomintang County Councilor Wu Tung-chin and contractors Zhuo and Liao were released on bail of NT$300,000. Other individuals, including a councilor's assistant, were released on bail of NT$50,000 and NT$100,000.
Investigators found that in the 2023 school lunch bidding project with a total budget of NT$270 million, seven contractors initially submitted bids. However, because one of them was disqualified, the bid was canceled and re-tendered. The original five-year excellent performance clause was removed, allowing the previously disqualified contractor to bid.
It is understood that the case involves complex official-business relations and suspected involvement of high-ranking county government officials. Prosecutors stated that the investigation will continue upward.
The Hualien County Government stated that the case has entered judicial proceedings, and the county government will fully cooperate with the investigation. Currently, school lunches throughout the county are operating normally, and meal supply and ingredient inspection mechanisms are stable. The county government will fully protect students' dining rights and health. (Editor: Lin Shu-hui) 20260513
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the CNA "First-hand News" APP to get the latest news instantly.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.
Hualien District Prosecutors Office Chief Prosecutor Liao Jung-kuan explained this afternoon that eight individuals, including former section chief Lu of the Hualien County Education Department's Sports and Health Section, are suspected of violating the Anti-Corruption Act and other offenses. Yesterday, they directed the Hualien County Investigation Station of the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau and the Northern Region Investigation Division of the Agency Against Corruption, Ministry of Justice, to conduct searches at 14 locations, including the Education Department, seizing relevant evidence and summoning former section chief Lu and six others, as well as relevant witnesses, for questioning.
After re-interrogation by prosecutors, former section chief Lu was released on bail of NT$200,000, with restrictions on residence, exit, and sea travel. Kuomintang County Councilor Wu Tung-chin and contractors Zhuo and Liao were released on bail of NT$300,000. Other individuals, including a councilor's assistant, were released on bail of NT$50,000 and NT$100,000.
Investigators found that in the 2023 school lunch bidding project with a total budget of NT$270 million, seven contractors initially submitted bids. However, because one of them was disqualified, the bid was canceled and re-tendered. The original five-year excellent performance clause was removed, allowing the previously disqualified contractor to bid.
It is understood that the case involves complex official-business relations and suspected involvement of high-ranking county government officials. Prosecutors stated that the investigation will continue upward.
The Hualien County Government stated that the case has entered judicial proceedings, and the county government will fully cooperate with the investigation. Currently, school lunches throughout the county are operating normally, and meal supply and ingredient inspection mechanisms are stable. The county government will fully protect students' dining rights and health. (Editor: Lin Shu-hui) 20260513
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the CNA "First-hand News" APP to get the latest news instantly.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.