Hualien Deputy Magistrate granted bail in school lunch procurement scandal

Hualien County's Deputy Magistrate, Yan Xin-chang, has been granted bail of NT$1 million following his arrest and questioning in connection with a scandal involving the procurement of school lunches. Yan is suspected of illicitly benefiting suppliers during the bidding process for the county's national and primary school lunch program.

Investigators brought Yan in for questioning, and he was released on bail early this morning. The investigation also led to the questioning of Rao Zhong, the acting secretary-general of the Hualien County Government, as a witness. Rao was released late last night after providing testimony to the prosecutor's office.

The case centers on allegations of corruption within the Hualien County Government's procurement procedures for school meals. The involvement of high-ranking officials like the deputy magistrate signals the seriousness of the investigation into potential favoritism and misuse of public funds within the education system.