How Did Tzu Chi Get Scammed Out of 1 Billion? Did the Green Camp Strike Gold? Lawyer's Hidden 600-Million Gold Seized — Wu Tzu-Chia Stunned and Reacts

In 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tzu Chi Foundation procured and donated 5 million doses of BNT vaccines. However, five years later, a fraud case involving 1 billion New Taiwan dollars (approximately USD 30 million) came to light, sparking a political storm in Taiwan as the 2026 presidential election approached. Regarding whether the Green Camp (pro-DPP faction) has 'struck gold' from Tzu Chi's misfortune, media personality Wu Tzu-Chia stated on the July 7 episode of his online show 'Chairman Speaks' that this may not necessarily be the case. He pointed out that the accused — Chen Yu-Hsuan, former chair of the Changhua Bar Association — had purchased 158 kilograms of gold, commenting, 'The method wasn’t even that sophisticated!'

Why Was Tzu Chi Defrauded?

During the program, Wu Tzu-Chia emphasized that he doesn’t believe the Green Camp has truly benefited. He questioned how a highly educated professional lawyer could commit fraud, calling the criminal technique 'extremely crude.' After defrauding Tzu Chi of 1 billion TWD, the suspects bought 158 kilograms of gold — 'an incredibly foolish move,' he said. 'They should’ve just bought Bitcoin instead.' Instead, prosecutors seized large amounts of gold and cash, indicating the scheme lacked sophistication.

As for why Tzu Chi fell victim, Wu explained that the organization acted out of goodwill and urgency to secure vaccines quickly for the public — a noble intention that unfortunately made them vulnerable to deception.

Prosecutors Seize Cash, Gold, Luxury Cars, and More Assets. (Photo: Investigation Bureau)

How Did the Lawyer Defraud Tzu Chi of 1 Billion TWD?

According to prosecutors, Chen Yu-Hsuan and a Mr. Li, a vaccine broker, falsely claimed to have access to BNT vaccine supplies. They further convinced Tzu Chi by asserting they had previously assisted TSMC in vaccine procurement. Based on these claims, Tzu Chi gradually paid a total of USD 30 million (approximately NT$1.06 billion) in commission fees.

In late April, the Taichung District Prosecutors’ Office, leading the Investigation Bureau, launched search operations, summoning 28 suspects and witnesses. Prosecutors eventually indicted 17 individuals, including Chen Yu-Hsuan, on charges of fraud, breach of trust, forgery of business documents, tax evasion, violations of the Commercial Accounting Act, and money laundering. They also petitioned the court to confiscate the illicit gains.

What Crime-Related Assets Were Seized?

During the investigation, two rounds of searches led to the seizure of approximately NT$93.08 million in cash and about 158.8 kilograms of gold — valued at around NT$680 million at the time of seizure. Two Range Rover SUVs and a Mercedes-Benz sedan were also confiscated. Additionally, prosecutors applied to freeze financial accounts and real estate assets under the suspects’ names. The court approved these requests, and the total value of seized assets now exceeds NT$1.0815 billion — surpassing the amount defrauded from Tzu Chi.

More exclusive reports from Wind Media: · Behind the Scenes: Tzu Chi Stunned by 1.06 Billion Scam! Godfather, Foxconn, TSMC — How the 'Vaccine Gold Scammers' Fooled Master Cheng Yen · Tzu Chi Looks More Like a Perpetrator Than a Victim? Chang Ching-sen Exposes Controversy Over 1 Billion in Donations: Religious Freedom Doesn’t Mean Financial Black Boxes · Who Blocked Tzu Chi’s Vaccine Purchase? After the Fraud Case, Wang Pi-sheng Praises His Mentor’s Wisdom — Doctor Reveals Chen Shih-chung’s Past Statements: Same Old Tricks · Tzu Chi Lost 1 Billion Buying Vaccines — 'Did Chen Shih-chung Warn Them?' Writer Slams 'Burning Bridges After Crossing River': Don’t Forget What Tsai Ing-wen Once Did