Tzu Chi Vaccine Procurement Fraud Case: 'DPP 1 Million' Entry Raises Questions Over Fund Flow — Yin Nai-ching Criticizes Judicial Double Standards

The Taichung District Prosecutors' Office is investigating a fraud case involving the Tzu Chi Foundation's attempt to procure BNT vaccines. In the handwritten notes of defendant lawyer Chen Yu-shuan, an entry labeled 'DPP 1 million' was discovered. Chen claims that 'DPP' refers to a deceased man surnamed Li, but prosecutors have not accepted this explanation, and the actual recipient and purpose of the funds remain unverified.

On the 14th, media commentator Yin Nai-ching appeared on the political commentary program 'Shaokang's War Room,' stating that the 'DPP 1 million' case must be thoroughly investigated. She sarcastically noted that while judicial authorities are 'spare no effort' in probing opposition party-related cases, they have shown little initiative in investigating this matter.

Yin also drew parallels between the 'DPP 1 million' notation and the recent incident where NT$1 million in cash was found on a Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) train and remains unclaimed. She questioned, 'Who dropped this money? Why hasn’t anyone come forward?' She emphasized that while she is not encouraging people to take found cash, the fact that such a large sum remains unclaimed is 'truly bizarre.'

According to the prosecutors, Chen Yu-shuan and others allegedly deceived the Tzu Chi Foundation during the pandemic, claiming they had access to BNT vaccines, leading Tzu Chi to pay a $30 million USD retainer (approximately NT$1.06 billion). On August 6, the investigation concluded, and Chen and 16 others were indicted on charges including fraud, breach of trust, tax evasion, and money laundering. The case will now proceed to court for trial.

In Chen's handwritten ledger detailing the distribution of funds from the 'TC case,' entries such as 'Shao-dong USD 9 million,' 'DPP NT$1 million,' and 'TC Huang NT$1 million' were found. Prosecutors suspect these may refer to unidentified individuals, but the actual recipients and purposes of these funds remain unconfirmed.

Regarding the 'DPP 1 million' notation, Chen claimed 'DPP' referred to a deceased man surnamed Li. However, prosecutors compared communication records and found no contact between Chen and this individual. The man passed away in March 2024, and his English initials should have been 'LKK' or 'LGK,' not 'DPP,' leading prosecutors to reject Chen's explanation.

Currently, it remains unclear whether 'DPP' refers to a specific person, legal entity, or organization. There is no evidence linking it to any political party. However, since 'DPP' matches the English acronym of the Democratic Progressive Party, the notation has sparked political controversy.

Yin Nai-ching questioned the double standard, stating, 'While they’re not investigating the DPP 1 million, they’re leaving no stone unturned when it comes to opposition party cases—even digging up six-year-old incidents.' She also mentioned the case of Chiu Li-li, saying she will continue to monitor future cases involving Kuomintang figures.

On the evening of the 10th, during a southbound HSR train (Train 679) passing through Chiayi, cleaning staff discovered a bag in the restroom containing NT$1 million in cash. The bag was immediately reported to the train conductor and handed over to HSR for safekeeping. Rumors briefly circulated that the owner might be a southern politician, but this has not been confirmed, and as of the report, no one has claimed the money.

Yin pointed out that a similar incident occurred in the past, where a politician left NT$3 million on an HSR train. She stressed that such large sums of unclaimed cash should be investigated to determine their origins. She emphasized that both the unclaimed HSR cash and the 'DPP 1 million' notation should be fully clarified.