Suspects in an alleged Taichung-based scam linked to reported investment in dialysis treatment in China were yesterday called in for questioning by the local branch of the Ministry of Justice’s Investigation Bureau.
Bureau officials in Taichung said an investigation was launched in June last year when it was noticed that multiple fundraising events were being held nationwide for an investment offer linked to dialysis treatment in China that promised a two-year return.
The bureau said its investigation found suspicious cash flows in the bank accounts of the primary suspect, surnamed Cheng (程), who despite lacking credentials as a physician, had apparently established dummy companies nationwide that hosted information sessions about the alleged investment opportunity.
The investigation found that Cheng allegedly grouped individuals together to raise NT$500,000 to NT$1 million (US$14,856 to US$29,691) to purchase hemodialysis machines that were to be leased to Chinese hospitals.
The bureau said investors were reportedly guaranteed dividends ranging from NT$10,000 to NT$20,000 per month, with the initial investment to be repaid within two years.
The bureau said more than 120 agents and officials on Monday conducted simultaneous searches of 19 locations under the organization’s name and confiscated more than NT$10 million in cash, four cars, an unknown quantity of diamonds, luxury watches, gold coins and bars and expensive wine.
The NT$60 million in the organization’s bank accounts has been frozen, the bureau said.
It said more than 1,000 people are believed to have invested in the scheme and a total of NT$3 billion was collected.
Cheng and the others are being questioned over alleged violations of the Banking Act (銀行法), the bureau said.
RULES BROKEN: The MAC warned Chinese not to say anything that would be harmful to the autonomous status of Taiwan or undermine its sovereignty A Chinese couple accused of disrupting a pro-democracy event in Taipei organized by Hong Kong residents has been deported, the National Immigration Agency said in a statement yesterday afternoon. A Chinese man, surnamed Yao (姚), and his wife were escorted by immigration officials to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, where they boarded a flight to China before noon yesterday, the agency said. The agency said that it had annulled the couple’s entry permits, citing alleged contraventions of the Regulations Governing the Approval of Entry of People of the Mainland Area into the Taiwan Area (大陸地區人民進入台灣地區許可辦法). The couple applied to visit a family member in
CELEBRATION: The PRC turned 75 on Oct. 1, but the Republic of China is older. The PRC could never be the homeland of the people of the ROC, Lai said The People’s Republic of China (PRC) could not be the “motherland” of the people of the Republic of China (ROC), President William Lai (賴清德) said yesterday. Lai made the remarks in a speech at a Double Ten National Day gala in Taipei, which is part of National Day celebrations that are to culminate in a fireworks display in Yunlin County on Thursday night next week. Lai wished the country a happy birthday and called on attendees to enjoy the performances and activities while keeping in mind that the ROC is a sovereign and independent nation. He appealed for everyone to always love their
‘EXTREME PRESSURE’: Beijing’s goal is to ‘force Taiwan to make mistakes,’ Admiral Tang Hua said, adding that mishaps could serve as ‘excuses’ for launching a blockade China’s authoritarian expansionism threatens not only Taiwan, but the rules-based international order, the navy said yesterday, after its top commander said in an interview that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) could blockade the nation at will. The object of Beijing’s expansionist activities is not limited to Taiwan and its use of pressure is not confined to specific political groups or people, the navy said in a statement. China utilizes a mixture of cognitive warfare and “gray zone” military activities to pressure Taiwan, the navy said, adding that PLA sea and air forces are compressing the nation’s defensive depth. The navy continues to
MISSILE MISSION: The Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology said it does not make policy, but would be glad to obtain certification to assemble the missiles The Ministry of National Defense-affiliated Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology is in the process of getting certified to assemble an additional 1,985 Stinger missiles on top of those from US arms sales, a senior defense official said yesterday. Washington is to send a team to Taiwan to evaluate the institute’s manufacturing capabilities and information security, said the official, who commented on condition of anonymity. The ministry initially bought 500 missiles for the army and navy, but later increased the order to 2,485 in response to an increase in Beijing’s military activities around the nation, and to meet the army’s urgent need