Sangha Rinpoche, a Tibetan "living Buddha," could face charges for coming to Taiwan under the false pretence of participating in a Buddhist ceremony while actually participating in record company events, Ministry of the Interior officials said last week.
Sangha Rinpoche, a monk who has been the topic of sensationalist media coverage in recent years due to his alleged affairs and inclination towards brand-name attire, attended a contract-signing at his record company in Taiwan last Wednesday.
Sangha Rinpoche, 28, is releasing a record in which he raps Buddhist canons and sayings.
PHOTO: HUANG PO-JUNG, TAIPEI TIMES
Ministry Officials said on Friday evening that Sangha Rinpoche obtained his visa to visit Taiwan by applying to attend a Buddhist ceremony but instead was here for other purposes.
According to Article 22 of the Regulations Governing Approval for Mainland Area Professionals to Engage in Professional Activities in Taiwan (
They are also forbidden from participating in any profit-making activities or in activities that do not match those stated on their visa applications.
Officials said that when Chinese professionals are invited to Taiwan, their hosts must take responsibility for their guests and make sure the information given to obtain a visa is accurate.
Otherwise, the Bureau of Immigration under the National Police Agency may stop accepting and processing visa applications from the inviters for one to three years, officials said.
Professionals from China who violate the stipulations will not be allowed to obtain a visa for three years, they said.
Officials from the bureau and the Mainland Affairs Council will meet in the near future to discuss possible charges against Sangha Rinpoche. No specific date was given.
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