Taoyuan:Two executives from Jiin Ming Industry Co., a drone supplier, have been detained on allegations of using prohibited China-made chips and camera lenses in drones provided under military contracts, as announced by the Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office.
According to Focus Taiwan, the prosecutors conducted raids on October 8 at Jiin Ming's headquarters in Taoyuan, along with its subsidiaries and suppliers. The action was taken following a report that the company had violated procurement contracts by incorporating banned components in military drones.
During the raids, Vice Chairman and President Chien Hao-ting, business manager Chen Yang-cheng, and seven others were brought in for questioning, along with a witness. Various items were seized as evidence. Prosecutors suspect Chien and Chen of breaching the National Security Act by supplying Chinese-made products under military contracts, falsifying business records, and committing aggravated fraud with others.
The Taoyuan District Court cited national security concerns and the potential involvement of additional parties in its decision to detain Chien and Chen. It noted Chien's inconsistent statements and the risk of collusion or flight. Although Chen denied the allegations, the court found substantial evidence suggesting his involvement and the likelihood of further offenses.
Both executives were ordered detained for two months starting October 9 and are barred from receiving visitors or communicating with others. The ruling is subject to appeal within 10 days of receiving court documents.
Other suspects in the case were released without bail. Jiin Ming, listed on the OTC market by the Taipei Exchange, confirmed Chien's detention and announced that Chairman Tsai Hsiang-feng had taken over his responsibilities. The company stated that its operations continue as usual and pledged cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
