A former social worker from the Taipei City Social Affairs Bureau was accused of embezzling an elderly person’s property. Prosecutors searched and seized designer bags.

Yang Yaru, special committee member of the Taipei City Social Affairs Bureau. (Provided by Taipei City Social Affairs Bureau)

A former female social worker from the Taipei City Social Affairs Bureau was suspected of embezzling the property of an elderly person in Wenshan District (declaration of guardianship). The Taipei District Prosecutor's Office today searched and seized brand-name bags from the social worker's home. The Social Affairs Bureau also responded that it would never cover up and cooperate with judicial investigations.

The Social Affairs Bureau explained that the case was discovered in early July by the Social Affairs Bureau on its own initiative when it discovered that an employee who resigned at the end of June was involved in misappropriation of funds. The Social Affairs Bureau immediately launched an investigation and collected illegal evidence, and immediately reported the case to the police and the Taipei District Prosecutor's Office in accordance with the law.

The Social Affairs Bureau emphasized that it will never cover up any illegal activities, and will not allow anyone to take advantage of their position to harm public welfare. During his tenure, the resigned employee took advantage of his position to engage in illegal crimes. The Social Affairs Bureau will cooperate with judicial investigations and hold him accountable in accordance with laws and regulations without leniency.

The Social Affairs Bureau stated that it has actively strengthened the promotion of integrity concepts and legal education and training among staff, and hopes that the case will be clarified as soon as possible.