Hualien Deputy Magistrate questioned in school lunch corruption probe

Hualien County's Deputy Magistrate Yen Hsin-chang was taken for late-night questioning by prosecutors in connection with a suspected corruption scandal involving the county's long-standing free school lunch program. The investigation centers on allegations of bid-rigging potentially benefiting a specific company during a tender process four years ago.

Prosecutors are reportedly examining claims that high-ranking county officials may have exerted pressure to alter the original bidding procedures for the nutrition program. The probe intensified with searches of Yen's office and residence early Tuesday morning. The focus is on clarifying suspicions that the 2023 nutrition lunch bids involved favoritism towards a particular vendor.

County Speaker Chang Chun and other councilors had previously questioned the procurement process. They alleged that after an initial round where a new bidder, Delichang, was disqualified for not meeting a "five-year excellent record" clause, county officials allegedly manipulated the process by first voiding the bids, then changing the requirements, and re-tendering. This allowed Delichang to pass, raising suspicions of illicit favoritism. The investigation has already led to searches and bail for former education department officials and councilors involved.