Hualien Prosecutors Investigate School Lunch Bidding Scandal, Former Section Chief, Councilor, and Vendors Released on Bail

HUALIEN (CNA reporter Chang Chi, Hualien County, 13th) – The Hualien District Prosecutors Office is investigating a school lunch bidding scandal. Yesterday, search warrants were executed at the Hualien County Government's Education Department and other locations, leading to the apprehension of section members, winning bidders, and a councilor. The former section chief of the Sports and Health Education Section was released on bail of NT$200,000 and restricted from leaving the country or overseas, while Kuomintang Councilor Wu Dong-sheng was released on NT$300,000 bail.

According to sources, prosecutors launched searches yesterday, bringing in personnel handling school lunch affairs at the Education Department, nutritionists, and the then-section chief, surnamed Lu, who has since been transferred to the Cultural Affairs Bureau. Additionally, a total of eight people were brought in, including Wu Dong-sheng, his assistant, and winning bidders.

After re-examination by prosecutors, in the early hours of this morning, based on suspicions of corruption and other offenses, the former section chief surnamed Lu was released on NT$200,000 bail with restrictions on leaving the country or overseas. Vendors surnamed Zhuo and Liao were released on NT$300,000 bail, and Wu Dong-sheng and his assistant, surnamed Chen, were released on NT$300,000 and NT$100,000 bail, respectively.

Three years ago, the Hualien County Government's Education Department was questioned by councilors regarding school lunch bidding. It was alleged that a bidder whose qualifications were not met in the first tender was not disqualified by the Education Department. Instead, the tender was cancelled on the spot, and a second tender was announced, removing the original qualification restrictions, allowing the originally unqualified bidder to win. This raised suspicions of high-level instructions or intervention by elected representatives to lower standards for specific vendors.

In response, the Hualien District Prosecutors Office did not confirm these details, merely stating that the investigation and search phase is ongoing and that a unified statement will be made to the public. (Edited by: Lee Heng-shan) 1150513

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