Former Social Worker Sentenced to 4 Years for Stealing Over NT$3.49 Million from Veterans

A former social worker at the Banqiao Veterans Home has been sentenced to four years in prison for stealing over NT$3.49 million (approximately $107,000 USD) from three elderly veterans under her care. Lai Tzu-yu, who held positions including social worker, counselor, and dormitory head, exploited her access to the veterans' bankbooks and seals.

Between March 2023 and January 2024, Lai repeatedly forged withdrawal slips and used the veterans' seals to illicitly withdraw funds. She stole NT$2.45 million from one veteran, NT$887,000 from another, and NT$149,000 from a third. In one instance, when a bank flagged a withdrawal requiring personal identification, Lai fabricated transfer requests to move funds between accounts before withdrawing them.

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Considering that she surrendered herself and confessed to the crime during the investigation, her sentence was reduced.

The case came to light after an investigation by the Agency Against Corruption, prompted by an informant. Lai subsequently surrendered to authorities and confessed to her crimes. The New Taipei District Court found her guilty of embezzlement of public official property, among other charges.

In its ruling, the court acknowledged Lai's confession and self-surrender, applying a reduced sentence. She was sentenced to four years imprisonment and deprived of her civil rights for two years. The court emphasized that as a public servant, Lai should have upheld integrity but instead abused her position for personal gain, undermining public trust. The sentence is subject to appeal.

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As a public servant who has served for a long time, she should have maintained integrity, but for personal gain, she embezzled the property of veterans.