Tzu Chi Foundation Defrauded of NT$1.06 Billion in Vaccine Deal; Faces Criticism for Not Reporting Sooner

The Tzu Chi Foundation has been defrauded of NT$1.06 billion (approximately US$33 million) through a procurement deal for BNT vaccines. The foundation has appointed the law firm Lee & Li to manage the case and assert its rights.

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Tzu Chi Foundation was defrauded of NT$1.06 billion in BNT vaccine purchase, commissions law firm to actively assert Tzu Chi's rights.

Public outcry intensified due to Tzu Chi's initial failure to report the fraud. The foundation only acknowledged the financial loss after authorities uncovered the missing funds during an investigation into Yu Da Company, led by lawyer Chen Yu-hsuan. This delayed response has led to criticism from donors, with some questioning the foundation's handling of the situation and expressing reluctance to donate in the future.

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Regarding the case of the BNT vaccine procurement involving Yu Da Company responsible person Chen Yu-hsuan and others, suspected of fraud, lawyers Li Jia-ching and Guo Yu-fang, representing the client Tzu Chi Foundation, stated that they express their highest respect and gratitude to the police, prosecutors, and investigation units for their active and diligent investigation of this case and the effective seizure of related criminal proceeds.

In response to the public criticism, Lee & Li issued a statement on behalf of Tzu Chi. The statement acknowledged the ongoing investigation by prosecutors into Chen Yu-hsuan and others for alleged fraud related to the BNT vaccine procurement. The law firm expressed gratitude to the investigative authorities for their diligent work and the seizure of illicit gains.

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In the future criminal trial proceedings, our lawyers will represent the victim Tzu Chi Foundation in actively cooperating with the court's trial, presenting opinions in court, and asserting rights.

The legal representatives stated that they will actively cooperate with the court during the criminal proceedings. They will present Tzu Chi's arguments and assert the foundation's rights. If the court finds the defendants guilty and confirms the existence of criminal proceeds, Tzu Chi intends to request the return of these funds and reserves the right to file a supplementary civil lawsuit for damages to protect the interests of the foundation and its donors.

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If the court determines that the defendants have indeed committed crimes and have criminal proceeds, we will represent the client in requesting the court to return the criminal proceeds to the victim according to law, and reserve the right to file a supplementary civil lawsuit for compensation, taking all necessary legal measures to defend the rights and interests of the Tzu Chi Foundation and the general public who donated.