Taiwan's Tzu Chi Foundation Defrauded of Over NT$1 Billion in Alleged Vaccine Scam; DPP Demands Apologies

The Tzu Chi Foundation has reportedly been defrauded of NT$1.06 billion (approximately $32 million USD) by Chen Yu-hsuan, the former head of the Changhua Bar Association. Chen allegedly promised access to BNT vaccine procurement channels during the 2021 pandemic but instead misappropriated the funds.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) spokesperson, Li Kun-cheng, seized on the news, labeling it a "major U-turn" for opposition figures. He urged politicians from the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) who had previously accused the DPP government of obstructing private vaccine procurement to issue formal apologies.

“

This is a major U-turn for the KMT and TPP.

Li recalled that during the pandemic, then-Commander of the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), Chen Shih-chung, had warned of "vaccine brokers." He criticized KMT and TPP politicians, including Chiang Wan-an, Ko Wen-je, and Johnny Chiang, for allegedly smearing the government and CECC team, even suggesting corruption, despite the team's efforts to control the epidemic and secure supplies.

The DPP spokesperson emphasized that the CECC team rigorously managed epidemic prevention and materials, contributing to Taiwan's success in controlling the virus. He lamented that opposition politicians allegedly used the government's pandemic response measures for political gain, spreading rumors and accusations. The DPP insists that these opposition figures must apologize for their past remarks and contribute to a more just society. The party also criticized the opposition's approach to issues like problematic oil incidents, accusing them of lacking rational oversight and resorting to baseless accusations rather than evidence-based discussion.

“

We cannot legalize something that is, in fact, illegal.