In 2021, the Tzu Chi Foundation became entangled in a fraud case related to the procurement of BNT vaccines. The Taichung District Prosecutors Office concluded its investigation and has indicted 17 individuals, including former Changhua Bar Association Chairman Chen Yu-hsuan, on suspicion of fraud and other charges. On the 6th, former Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Wang Pi-sheng reflected emotionally on the pandemic period, recalling how then-Minister Chen Shih-chung had repeatedly warned the vaccine procurement team: "Although the government is desperate to secure vaccines, anyone who cannot present official manufacturer documentation is being scammed, and any request for advance deposits or handling fees is fraudulent."

What Did Chen Shih-chung Say at the Time?

Wang Pi-sheng shared on Facebook that during the era when everyone was rushing to obtain COVID-19 vaccines, Chen Shih-chung, then commander of the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), often told him: "Pi-sheng, we are the ones most eager to procure vaccines, but we must not act recklessly. We should seize opportunities, but proceed with extreme caution—because we represent the nation and its people."

Wang further recounted that Chen Shih-chung had specifically warned: "Let me tell you, if someone cannot provide original manufacturer certification, they are being deceived. If they ask you to pay a deposit or handling fee upfront, it’s a scam."

Wang lamented, "With time, wisdom becomes evident," and paid tribute to the CECC team responsible for vaccine procurement: "You all worked so hard."

How Was Tzu Chi Defrauded of Over NT$1 Billion?

According to the investigation details released by the Taichung District Prosecutors Office, Chen Yu-hsuan and a co-conspirator surnamed Li exploited the urgent demand for vaccines in 2021. They falsely claimed to have access to BNT vaccine supplies and gained Tzu Chi’s trust by asserting they had previously assisted several large corporations in vaccine procurement.

Subsequently, Tzu Chi entrusted Yu-Da Enterprise Management Consulting Company—headed by Chen Yu-hsuan—with purchasing 5 million doses of BNT vaccines and paid a commission of USD 30 million (approximately NT$1.06 billion). After concluding the investigation, prosecutors indicted Chen Yu-hsuan and 16 others on charges including fraud, breach of trust, and money laundering. The case is now pending judicial review.

158 Kilograms of Gold Seized—How Has Tzu Chi Responded?

In April and May of this year, investigative authorities conducted two rounds of searches, seizing approximately NT$930.8 million in cash, around 158.8 kilograms of gold, and two high-end imported vehicles. They also applied for the seizure of bank accounts and real estate assets, totaling over NT$1.08 billion in confiscated illicit gains.

The Tzu Chi Foundation issued a statement expressing “deep regret and sorrow” upon learning that personnel from Yu-Da Company, which had been entrusted with the BNT vaccine procurement, had been indicted. The foundation stated it has already engaged legal counsel and will fully cooperate with judicial investigations, taking necessary measures to protect the rights and interests of the foundation, its members, and donors.

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  • Source: PR Times
  • Category: News