TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A lawyer and vaccine broker allegedly defrauded Tzu Chi of NT$1.06 billion (US$30 million) by claiming they could secure 5 million BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine doses during the 2021 pandemic, prosecutors said Thursday.
UDN reported that the Taichung District Prosecutors Office indicted former Changhua Bar Association Chair Chen Yu-hsuan (陳昱瑄), broker Li I-ju (李易儒), and 15 alleged accomplices on charges including fraud, tax evasion, and falsifying business records. Li remains at large, while Chen and five others were detained over suspected money laundering and concerns they could flee or destroy evidence.
Prosecutors said Chen and Li falsely told Tzu Chi that they had access to BioNTech vaccines and had previously helped major companies procure doses. Tzu Chi then commissioned a consulting firm represented by Chen to arrange the purchase and paid the alleged commission, excluding the cost of the vaccines and cold-chain transportation.
The defendants allegedly moved the money through personal and corporate accounts before withdrawing about NT$520 million for Li and other accomplices, prosecutors said, per CNA. They also allegedly used nine companies to issue 33 false invoices and evade more than NT$53.74 million in taxes.
Prosecutors also alleged that the group purchased about 232 kilograms of gold to conceal the source and movement of the money. Investigators seized NT$93 million in cash, 158.8 kg of gold valued at about NT$680 million, two imported luxury vehicles, and other assets. CNA said more than NT$1.12 billion in alleged illicit gains was seized or confiscated.
Tzu Chi reportedly said it learned of the indictment through media reports and would cooperate fully with the investigation. It said it would seek to recover its funds through legal proceedings.
