Police this morning summoned at least six entertainers for questioning regarding alleged evasion of compulsory military service, including boy band Choc7 member Lee Chuan (李銓) and actor Daniel Chen (陳大天).
In January, the New Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office began investigating an organized crime group that is allegedly helping men dodge compulsory military service using falsified medical documents.
Actor Darren Wang (王大陸) has been accused of being one of the group’s clients.
Photo: CNA
As the investigation expanded, police in New Taipei City’s Yonghe Precinct have reportedly discovered other entertainers who commissioned the group to obtain false documents.
Police said that the main suspect, surnamed Chen (陳), allegedly helped produce false medical certificates.
A special task force reportedly searched specified locations at 6am today, apprehending four entertainers and bringing them in for questioning, including Lee and Daniel Chen.
Two other suspects, comedian Daikon (大根) and actor William Liao (廖亦崟), were also summoned for questioning.
Daikon is out of the country, but is expected to return this evening, while Liao was traveling in Green Island (綠島).
Liao on Facebook posted a photograph of himself reporting to the local police station, saying that he is “voluntarily cooperating.”
Responding to questions from legislators today, Department of Conscription Administration Director-General Shen Che-fang (沈哲芳) said similar investigations last year found that 120 people had allegedly evaded military service, 11 of whom were entertainers.
Follow-up investigations are ongoing, focusing on cases within the past five years that are more likely to involve irregularities, such as claims of high blood pressure, Shen said.
Any illegal conduct would be dealt with through the courts, but those older than 36 would not be called back for service, as they have passed the age limit, Shen said.
Regarding proposed amendments, Shen said the agency has recommended that the Ministry of National Defense revise standards for physical classification to establish stricter regulations.
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