Want China Times, Hsu Tzu-ching and Staff Reporter 2013-10-28
The weight-loss capsules. (Photo/Chang Li-hsun) |
Lien
Hui-hsin, the eldest daughter of Taiwan's former vice president Lien Chan, has
offered apologies for "creating societal unrest" after her alleged
involvement as a shareholder in a company caught in a pharmaceutical drug
scandal, according to our sister newspaper China Times.
Three top
executives from both Geneherbs Taiwan and Wellcare Pharmaceutical, the two
companies involved, were released on bail Oct. 26 after being questioned by
Taipei district prosecutors overnight on findings that their weight-loss
product contained an unapproved drug.
Tseng
Hsin-yi, general manager of Geneherbs Taiwan, was required to pay bail of NT$2
million (US$68,000) after being accused of selling a questionable supplement in
violation of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act. As well, Huang Chen-kang, owner of
Wellcare Pharmaceutical, was released on a bail of NT$3 million (US$102,000)
and Wellcare's R&D division chief Yeh Mei-keng on NT$2 million (US$68,000).
Lien
claimed she was unaware that the weight-loss capsules she was promoting in TV
commercials contained unapproved substances. Since she is believed to be a
Geneherbs stockholder, investigating authorities may call her in for
questioning.
Information
showed by Lee Ying-yuan, a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator,
suggests that Lien could be the company's CEO, giving her managerial rights and
direct responsibility for such a problem.
Lee claimed
Lien took part in forums, seminars, banquets and contract-signing ceremonies as
a representative of Geneherbs, according to information he obtained. Lien's
attorney has denied the accusations.
Her
brother, Lien Sheng-wen, is a hopeful in the KMT race for Taipei mayor
candidacy. Lien Hui-hsin's involvement in the case could tarnish her brother's
reputation and his chances at succession.
Lien
Hue-hsin said investing in Geneherbs was of her own initiative. Her brother is
not involved. She also promised to take full responsibility for whatever
happens as a result of the scandal.
Prosecutors
said they will investigate whether or not Lien Hui-hsin played a role in
Geneherbs management as a shareholder.
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