Taiwan Sao Paulo Office Head Impeached Over Procurement Scandal and Death of Subordinate
A senior Taiwanese diplomat, Feng Kwang-chung, head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was impeached on Friday by Taiwan’s Control Yuan for his alleged involvement in procurement violations and neglect of duties following the controversial death of a subordinate. The impeachment is related to allegations of corruption, conflicts of interest, and failure to adequately manage office operations.
The impeachment decision, which followed a detailed investigation by the government watchdog, was unanimous among the 13 Control Yuan members. The case will now be forwarded to the Disciplinary Court for further review. The scandal comes amid a series of troubling incidents tied to Feng’s management of the Taiwan mission in Brazil, including the apparent suicide of section chief Felix Wang and a financial scandal involving missing funds.
The Procurement Violations: NT$10.1 Million Refurbishment
Feng Kwang-chung is accused of breaching the Government Procurement Act in overseeing a NT$10.1 million (approximately US$311,000) renovation project for the TECO office and his official residence in 2021. According to the Control Yuan, Feng is also implicated in conflicts of interest, as he allegedly showed favoritism in dealing with the contractors involved in the refurbishment, leading to suspicions of corruption.
These issues were not initially brought to light until the shocking discovery of discrepancies in the office’s financial records, which came to public attention following the tragic death of Felix Wang, the Sao Paulo TECO section chief, in March 2023.
The Tragic Death of Felix Wang
The tragic death of Felix Wang, who was found dead after falling from his 16th-floor apartment, became a focal point of the investigation. Wang had been under significant pressure, allegedly coerced into signing off on the controversial refurbishment expenses. Wang’s family has accused Feng of defamation and bullying, claiming that he pressured Wang to approve the questionable expenses.
In response to Wang’s death, his family brought the matter to the authorities, accusing Feng of being directly responsible for causing emotional distress that may have contributed to the tragic incident. This led to a formal inquiry and ultimately the impeachment decision on Friday.
The investigation by the Taipei District Prosecutors Office has been ongoing since October 2023, and Feng was released on bail of NT$100,000 following questioning over his role in the procurement scandal. He faces charges related to corruption and dereliction of duty.
Other Allegations Against Feng: Negligence and Privacy Violations
In addition to the procurement violations, the Control Yuan highlighted several other serious allegations against Feng. One of the key charges was Feng’s negligence in recording the usage of a safe in the office, which is considered a major security lapse. Furthermore, Feng was accused of hiring a local firm to handle the office’s accounting tasks, but failed to properly oversee the firm’s activities, which contributed to financial mismanagement.
Another significant violation involved the breach of privacy rights. Feng allegedly disclosed the health issues of Felix Wang to Brazilian police without proper confirmation or authorization from Wang’s family, a move that the Control Yuan deemed an irresponsible dereliction of duty.
These various allegations paint a troubling picture of Feng’s tenure as head of the TECO office in Sao Paulo, raising questions about the overall management of Taiwan’s diplomatic mission in Brazil.
Timeline of Events Leading to Impeachment
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Feng oversees NT$10.1 million refurbishment project. |
| March 2023 | Felix Wang’s death raises questions over financial misconduct. |
| October 2023 | Feng questioned by Taipei prosecutors, released on bail. |
| November 2023 | Control Yuan impeaches Feng, citing procurement violations and negligence. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What are the main allegations against Feng Kwang-chung?
A1: Feng is accused of violating the Government Procurement Act related to a NT$10.1 million refurbishment project, neglecting duties in managing office finances, and mishandling a local accounting firm’s work. He is also accused of breaching privacy by disclosing Felix Wang’s health issues to Brazilian authorities.
Q2: What happened to Felix Wang?
A2: Felix Wang, the section chief of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Sao Paulo, tragically died in March 2023 after falling from his apartment. His family claims that Feng’s bullying and pressure to sign off on questionable expenses led to his emotional distress.
Q3: What are the potential legal consequences for Feng?
A3: Feng faces corruption charges and possible disciplinary action from the Disciplinary Court. The Taipei District Prosecutors Office is still reviewing the case. Feng was released on NT$100,000 bail while the investigation continues.
Q4: How does this case affect Taiwan’s diplomatic relations in Brazil?
A4: The impeachment of a senior diplomat is likely to tarnish Taiwan’s reputation in Brazil, though the government has stated that it will continue to investigate the case thoroughly. The scandal could affect public perception of Taiwan’s diplomatic handling in Brazil.
Q5: What is the next step in the legal process for Feng?
A5: The case will be reviewed by the Disciplinary Court, which will determine the appropriate legal consequences based on the findings of the Control Yuan and the ongoing investigation.
