Jia-Ning and Andy Accuse Each Other of Lying and Taking Statements Out of Context; Verdict Scheduled for August 11

Central News Agency Report

(CNA reporter Tsao Ya-yen, New Taipei, July 14) A financial dispute over a YouTube channel between internet personality Andy and his former girlfriend Jia-Ning has led to Jia-Ning's family being indicted. The New Taipei District Court concluded its final hearing today, with Jia-Ning's lawyer accusing Andy of making false statements in court, while Andy's lawyer argued that the audio recordings were taken out of context. The verdict will be announced on August 11.

YouTuber 'Andy Laoshi' (real name Wang Chong-rui) claims he co-founded the 'Crowd Level CROWD' channel with his ex-girlfriend Zhang Jia-ning and entrusted Jia-Ning's mother, Tseng Shu-hui, to establish Qunhai Entertainment Co. However, he says he has never been shown the company's financial records over the years, and the trademark has been registered under Tseng Shu-hui's personal name. After investigation, the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office indicted Jia-Ning's family. Tseng Shu-hui, head of Qunhai, is charged with breach of trust, embezzlement, and tax evasion; Jia-Ning is charged with illegally changing the channel password, suspected of unauthorized alteration of electromagnetic records.

Today, the New Taipei District Court summoned Zhang Jia-ning, Tseng Shu-hui, her father Zhang Guo-long, and sister Zhang Jia-yun. Andy also attended as the complainant. Tseng Shu-hui admitted only to tax evasion, denying charges of embezzlement and breach of trust. Zhang Jia-yun admitted to aiding tax evasion and requested a suspended sentence. Zhang Guo-long and Zhang Jia-ning both denied any wrongdoing.

During the previous hearing, Jia-Ning's lawyer submitted a transcript of a recording made at the time of their breakup, claiming Andy had stated the channel would belong to Jia-Ning. Today, Jia-Ning's lawyer requested the court to examine the original audio recording to present the full context, but the panel ruled that since the authenticity and evidentiary value of the transcript were not contested, there was no need for playback.

Tseng Shu-hui's lawyer stated that although Qunhai is a corporation, it was run by family members, and occasional omissions in reporting occurred for convenience. She emphasized that Tseng lacked familiarity with corporate regulations and had no intent to commit embezzlement. The lawyer also noted that in the recordings, Andy expressed confidence in Tseng's management of Qunhai's finances.

Tseng Shu-hui's lawyer added that using foreign currency income from the channel to purchase fixed deposits and savings insurance was intended to save the money as a marriage fund, with no ill intentions.

Andy's lawyer argued that Tseng Shu-hui intended from the beginning to take control of the company. Although Qunhai was established to serve the Crowd Level channel, it was used to pay salaries to Jia-Ning's entire family, with revenues being siphoned off multiple times, leaving only a small portion for Andy.

Jia-Ning's lawyer argued that upon their breakup in April 2024, they had reached an agreement for Jia-Ning to take ownership of the channel. The recording shows Andy insisting on the breakup and stating that the Crowd Level channel, Facebook, and Instagram accounts would all go to Jia-Ning, while he would focus on his own channel. Therefore, changing the password was not illegal. However, Andy later manipulated online public opinion to conceal the fact that he voluntarily relinquished the channel.

Jia-Ning's lawyer further accused Andy of repeatedly making false statements in court. Before learning about the recording, Andy denied ever discussing channel ownership; after its existence was revealed, he changed his testimony, claiming those conversations were merely part of negotiation. This inconsistency casts doubt on the credibility of his testimony.

Andy stated in court that he never expected private conversations with his partner to be secretly recorded. However, he argued that the transcript submitted by the opposing side was selectively edited, omitting key phrases such as 'we can discuss how to divide things later' and 'everyone will get what they deserve.'

In her final statement, Tseng Shu-hui tearfully denied the embezzlement charges, stating the money was earned through hard work making cardboard boxes with her husband. She emphasized that despite the channel having no sponsored income in 2023 and 2024, she still paid bonuses. Jia-Ning personally earned over NT$10 million from sponsorships, while Andy earned only over NT$200,000, yet he still received bonuses. She admitted to tax evasion and pledged to pay all back taxes, urging the judge to see the truth.

Zhang Jia-ning stated that Andy continues to distort facts and pleaded with the court to clear her name. The presiding judge announced that the verdict would be delivered on the afternoon of August 11.

After the hearing, Andy's lawyer reiterated that the audio recording had been taken out of context. Andy had proposed a 'land and compensation' arrangement—giving the channel to Jia-Ning in exchange for a clear financial settlement—but no agreement was reached, and no specific distribution plan was discussed. (Editor: Li Hsi-chang) 1150714