Unusual occurrences detected at Chungshan Research Institute
The Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology, a major player in Taiwan's national defence, has found itself at the centre of a controversy. The institute, based at its Pengyuan Campus, has confirmed suspicious activity involving the sale of sensitive tender documents for Intelligence Surveillance Systems.
During the open bidding period, these documents are made available to companies looking to submit tenders. However, it is suspected that the person responsible leaked the documents early to a potential client. The institute detected unusual copying of documents through its internal security mechanisms, and the leaks have occurred over the past months.
The documents in question contained trade secrets, including tender documents, and the leaks pertain to military procurement. This is not an isolated incident, as it forms a string of information leaks that have been reported.
The institute initially initiated a preliminary investigation before referring the case to the Military Police Command on Aug. 14. The case has since been transferred to prosecutors for a judicial investigation.
In a recent development, Huang Kuo-chang, Chairman of Taiwan People's Party, accused Minister of National Defense and institute chair Wellington Koo of turning a blind eye to the alleged sale of sensitive documents. However, the institute has denied Huang's claim.
The Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology receives almost NT$100 billion (US$3.26 billion) from the ministry each year, and it undertakes research projects commissioned by branches of the military. The institute has vowed to enforce the harshest punishment for those responsible for the leaks.
Additional reporting by Lin Che-yuan.
This is a developing story and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
