NEW TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Authorities took three members of a "military draft-dodging syndicate" into custody on Tuesday (Feb. 18) evening in connection with a scandal involving the creation of fake medical records to help conscripts avoid mandatory military service.
The investigation revealed the syndicate's meticulous division of labor, with members recruiting clients and establishing relationships with doctors to navigate medical check-up procedures.
This draft-dodging scheme was exposed in a fraud case last year when prosecutors and police discovered the syndicate's involvement in fraud and aiding conscripts in evading service. Insiders revealed that the group tailored fake medical records to clients' needs, charging higher fees for military-related cases as the documents needed to bypass military service departments.
Prosecutors discovered the syndicate's operations through a wanted suspect surnamed Chen (陳), who assisted in handling draft evasion cases. Authorities in New Taipei City apprehended Chen, leading to the arrest of three intermediaries responsible for client communication and errands.
The syndicate had no fixed pricing for fake medical records, charging more for urgent cases. Prosecutors are currently investigating whether the syndicate members colluded with medical institutions.
