The National Police Agency (NPA) yesterday decided to fine the security company that owned an armored car involved in the nation's largest-ever heist, as well as to suspend an award for excellence that it had bestowed on the firm.
The NPA made the announcement yesterday afternoon, after senior law enforcement officers met to discuss the theft of NT$56 million (US$1.72 million) from an armored car by a security guard from Group 4 Securicor-Taiwan.
The NPA said it would fine the company NT$1 million (US$30,303), and suspending its "remarkable security company award," given last year.
The NPA is also considering suspending the company's operating license. Officials said that no decision would be made until the Taipei County Police Department completes its investigation and submits a report to the NPA.
Intensive assessment
NPA Director-General Hou You-yi (
"The NPA will launch an intensive evaluation of local security companies in the next few weeks, which will be completed before Lunar New Year," Hou said. "We want to make sure that the same mistake will not be repeated."
Hou said that the theft was "90 percent confirmed" to have been an inside job, and that there was a serious shortcoming with Group 4 Securicor-Taiwan's management.
"This company has more than 100 armored trucks with GPS onboard. However, there is only one female employee to supervise all these trucks when they hit the roads. This is unbelievable," Hou said.
He also discussed the latest developments in the investigation.
As of press time yesterday, Hou said that at least two, and probably three or four, suspects were at large.
Police had discovered one of the suspect's vehicles, a white Nissan Premiera, at a parking lot near Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport yesterday afternoon.
Inside the vehicle, officers found a bullet-proof vest and helmet, as well as other personal items and some clear fingerprints.
Officers said that the 45-year-old suspect, Lee Han-yang (
AWOL
"Our records show that Lee Chin-tsan was relieved of his job because he was absent from his duties without valid excuses too many times," Hou said.
Hou explained that Lee Chin-tsan is now a businessman in China.
The police believe that Lee Han-yang may have met with his younger brother in China, but were unable to reach Lee Chin-tsan.
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