TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — DPP Legislative Caucus Secretary-General Chuang Jui-hsiung (莊瑞雄) on Monday backed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ investigation into Taiwan’s top envoy in Geneva, Greg Lee (李冠德), saying the ministry should conduct a thorough probe in response to public concerns.
Lee has been the subject of a 134-page complaint submitted by colleagues that reportedly details about 203 allegations, ranging from workplace bullying and financial mismanagement to other alleged misconduct, per UP Media.
Among the allegations, Lee reportedly insisted on treating Taiwanese lawmakers visiting Geneva to lobby for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly at the Michelin-starred restaurant L’Atelier Robuchon, per TVBS. The lawmakers and accompanying personnel allegedly missed their flight as a result, requiring them to rebook their tickets at a cost of more than NT$1 million (US$31,033).
In another incident, Lee allegedly allowed a delegation member to pay for about 100 cups of bubble milk tea provided at a screening of the Taiwanese film “Grandma and Her Goats” at Le Capitole, but later declined to reimburse the staff member, per Mirror Daily. MOFA has confirmed that it launched an investigation into Lee, saying that creating a safe and respectful workplace is a priority, per UDN.
Chuang said that if the allegations are substantiated, the ministry should assess whether Lee is suitable to remain in his position, per Tai Sounds. He also questioned the necessity of hosting lawmakers at a Michelin-starred restaurant during an official visit.
KMT lawmaker and spokesperson Niu Hsu-ting (牛煦庭) echoed Chuang’s call for an investigation, saying the complaints could point to broader management problems at Taiwan’s Geneva office, per Mirror Daily. He urged the foreign ministry to conduct the probe promptly and provide a clear timeline for its completion.
The complaints also reportedly accuse Lee of disclosing information that countries friendly to Taiwan had shared in confidence, per ETtoday. Other allegations include drunk driving, speeding, and failing to address traffic violations, which allegedly prompted Swiss police to send a formal inquiry to the Geneva office.
More serious allegations claim Lee took official documents to restaurants and hotels, potentially creating security risks. His wife was also allegedly allowed to search through the office for documents while staff members were away on holiday.
