Tzu Chi Loses $100 Million in Vaccine Scam! Chen Shih-chung: My Warnings About 'Vaccine Brokers' Were Twisted into a 'Profiteering and Murder' Smear

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tzu Chi Foundation procured and donated 5 million doses of the BNT vaccine. Recently, it was revealed that the foundation became a victim of a scam involving approximately NT$1 billion (about USD 300 million). In response, former Minister of Health and Welfare and Presidential Office official Chen Shih-chung posted on Facebook, stating that vaccine fraud cases were rampant worldwide during the pandemic. Despite his repeated public warnings about 'vaccine brokers,' these efforts were exploited by certain political parties and figures to accuse the government of obstructing foreign vaccine procurement and favoring ineffective domestic vaccines—false narratives that led to Chen being unfairly labeled as responsible for 'profiteering and murder.' He expressed regret that well-intentioned organizations like Tzu Chi could suffer major losses under such high-pressure circumstances.

Chen noted that unscrupulous individuals falsely claimed they could secure BNT vaccines through private channels, allegedly defrauding Tzu Chi of USD 30 million (approximately NT$1.06 billion) in commissions. The Taichung District Prosecutors Office has indicted the suspects, sparking widespread public discussion. Although the case has not yet reached a judicial verdict, Chen emphasized that vaccine broker scams were indeed rampant during the pandemic—not only in Taiwan but globally. At the time, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) was not only striving to secure foreign vaccines under difficult international conditions but also actively warning the public against falling victim to fraud. Without these repeated warnings, many more organizations and individuals might have been harmed.

However, Chen lamented that his well-intentioned cautions were weaponized by political actors to erode public trust in the government. False claims were fabricated—such as the government blocking foreign vaccines and profiting from domestic ones—creating a baseless narrative that unjustly tarnished his reputation. Even today, some people remain misled by these lies. While truth may not emerge immediately, Chen asserted it never disappears. Each time new facts surface, society has a responsibility to re-examine the past.

He highlighted that in recent years, over 60 allegations against the pandemic response team have been closed without evidence of wrongdoing. Wu Tzu-chia, chairman of Formosa Magazine, was ordered by a court to pay damages for defaming Chen and former Premier Su Tseng-chang. The World Health Organization granted technology transfer authorization for Taiwan’s Medigen vaccine, and its real-world effectiveness was published in a U.S. CDC journal. Vaccine procurement contracts were also made public. These developments are gradually exposing the truth behind past smear campaigns.

As a leader in pandemic response, Chen stressed his urgent desire to obtain safe and effective vaccines. However, he emphasized that desperation must never compromise integrity or betray public trust. In future emergencies, only stable, clear policies and national unity can minimize harm.

Chen also urged the public not to harshly judge those misled by misinformation. They were simply victims of political figures who exploited fear and hatred for personal gain—just as charitable organizations might be deceived by profit-driven brokers. Lies fear not the truth itself, but the truth being seen and discussed. He pledged to continue standing by, raising awareness whenever new truths emerge. 'Today,' he declared, 'is that day.'