TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Prosecutors indicted 12 individuals Tuesday (Feb. 3) in a massive illegal dumping scheme that allegedly generated over NT$200 million (around US$6.33 million) in profits. The Ciaotou District Prosecutors Office (橋頭地檢署), a prosecutorial body in southern Taiwan, charged main suspect Lu (呂) and Shih Li-chun (石麗君). Shih served as former assistant to Kaohsiung City Councilor Chu Hsin-chiang (朱信強). Authorities allege the group dumped more than 140,000 tons of waste in Kaohsiung's Meinong District (美濃區).
Authorities allege Lu orchestrated a criminal group since October 2017, illegally extracting earth and rocks while backfilling waste for illicit gains. Investigations indicate Shih acquired farmland ownership in June 2024 for NT$16 million (around US$506,500) and signed a fake lease contract with a man surnamed Wang. Prosecutors said the fake contract aimed to cover up the illegal dumping activities on the property.
Lu allegedly directed drivers to dump untreated mixed soil and construction waste starting February 2025 after creating pits on the farmland. Prosecutors discovered Shih allegedly applied for gravel truck permits, aiding Lu and transport operators in the illegal backfilling operations. Shih also allegedly monitored the progress of the illegal dumping activities at the site, according to the indictment filed by the Ciaotou District Prosecutors Office.
Prosecutors accused Lu of instructing Wang to collect fees ranging from NT$600 (around US$19) to NT$1,500 (around US$47) per vehicle dumping waste. The scheme allegedly amassed illegal profits exceeding NT$200 million (around US$6.33 million). The Ciaotou District Prosecutors Office filed charges against Lu, Shih, and 10 others, recommending more than four years imprisonment for Lu and at least two years for Shih.