Chung-Lien factory director granted bail in toxic oil case; prosecutors appeal

A Taiwanese court has set bail at NT$1 million (approximately US$31,000) for Chen Ming-jung, the factory director of Chung-Lien Oil, who is a defendant in the ongoing toxic oil scandal. The court also imposed restrictions on his residence, travel, and sea departures.

Prosecutors, however, deemed the bail decision insufficient. They argued that Chen Ming-jung still poses a risk of absconding, tampering with evidence, or colluding with co-defendants and witnesses. Consequently, they lodged an appeal against the bail ruling immediately after the hearing.

This development is part of a second wave of searches and investigations by prosecutors. In the initial search on July 9, Chung-Lien Oil's general manager, Yu Ling-chong, was detained and barred from meeting with his legal counsel. He is suspected of leading the effort to conceal oil inspection results. At that time, Chen Ming-jung and another manager, Chen Chien-lung, were each granted bail of NT$1 million and NT$600,000 respectively.

Following the analysis of seized mobile phones, cloud data, and testimonies, prosecutors identified significant unresolved issues. This led to the second search on July 22, targeting Chen Ming-jung, an assistant manager, and Chen Chien-lung, along with nine other employees involved in oil production and quality control. Prosecutors believe Chen Ming-jung, Jiang Yi-lung, and Chen Chien-lung are all suspected of violating the Food Safety and Sanitation Management Act. The prosecution specifically alleges Chen Ming-jung engaged in evidence destruction, fabrication, and collusion.