Massive Environmental Crime Uncovered After Year-Long Investigation
In a major environmental crime case, Taiwanese prosecutors have indicted 18 individuals for their involvement in an illegal waste oil disposal scheme that generated over NT$300 million (US$9.10 million) in profits. The suspects, including business owner Tsai (蔡) and the Hung brothers (洪), allegedly dumped used cooking oil and industrial waste into public drains and unauthorized locations instead of following legal disposal procedures.
The Shilin District Prosecutors Office confirmed that the illegal dumping operation had been ongoing for more than a decade, from 2010 to 2023, involving prominent businesses such as Formosa Chang, Noble Family Steak House, Hsin Ya International Hotels, and ATT 4 Fun shopping mall.
How the Illegal Waste Disposal Network Operated
According to prosecutors, Tsai secured multiple contracts from department stores, hotels, and food courts to dispose of their waste oil. However, rather than handling the waste legally, he outsourced the work to unlicensed operators to increase profits.
Among those subcontracted were the Hung brothers, along with individuals surnamed Pan (潘) and Tung (童). These individuals further expanded the illegal business by taking on their own waste disposal contracts, making significant profits while violating Taiwan’s Waste Disposal Act.
Key findings from the investigation:
- Hung brothers: Profited around NT$140 million by illegally dumping waste oil from major restaurant chains.
- Tung: Profited NT$24.44 million by dumping 2,856 metric tons of construction and marble industry waste.
- Tung also made NT$1.78 million from illegally disposing of toxic liquid waste from electrolytic cells.
Prosecutors stated that the businesses that hired these operators were fully aware that they lacked legal waste disposal permits, raising further concerns about corporate responsibility in Taiwan’s waste management sector.
Investigations and Legal Actions
Authorities launched an extensive probe in November 2023, which included evidence collection, witness testimonies, and undercover surveillance. By August 2024, law enforcement had gathered enough evidence to indict all 18 individuals.
The Shilin District Prosecutors Office officially indicted the suspects on Thursday, March 7, 2025, under charges related to:
- The Waste Disposal Act (for illegally handling hazardous materials).
- The Criminal Code (for concealment of illegal activities).
Due to the severity of the crime, prosecutors are urging the court to impose harsh penalties to deter similar environmental offenses in the future.
Response from Involved Businesses
As the news broke, Formosa Chang issued a public apology, stating they regret their involvement and will cooperate fully with legal proceedings. However, Noble Family Steak House, Hsin Ya International Hotels, and ATT 4 Fun have not yet responded to media inquiries.
The scandal has sparked widespread public outrage, with environmental activists demanding stricter regulations and oversight to prevent similar cases in the future.
FAQs
What exactly did the accused do?
The accused, led by business owner Tsai, won contracts to dispose of used cooking oil and industrial waste but instead subcontracted the work to unlicensed operators, who illegally dumped the waste in unauthorized locations.
How much money did they make from this illegal activity?
The illegal operation generated over NT$300 million (US$9.10 million) in profits between 2010 and 2023.
How did authorities discover the crime?
A year-long investigation that began in November 2023 uncovered evidence of illegal waste disposal, hidden contracts, and financial transactions linked to unlicensed operators.
What businesses were involved?
Major businesses such as Formosa Chang, Noble Family Steak House, Hsin Ya International Hotels, and ATT 4 Fun hired these unlicensed operators for waste disposal.
What charges are the accused facing?
They have been indicted under the Waste Disposal Act and the Criminal Code for illegal dumping, environmental pollution, and concealment of illegal activities.
What are the potential penalties?
If convicted, they could face heavy fines and possible prison sentences, with prosecutors urging strict punishment due to the environmental damage caused.
