Taipei prosecutors have indicted 18 individuals for illegally dumping waste
oil sludge and hazardous waste.

According to the Shilin District Prosecutors’ Office, the individuals
illegally disposed of over 13-thousand metric tons of waste oil from
well-known businesses between 2010 and 2023, earning a total of 370 million
NT in ill gotten gains between them.

A man surnamed Tsai and his associates subcontracted unlicensed handlers like
the Hung brothers, who both dumped the waste along roadsides, pocketing over
140 million NT.

Big-name companies, including Formosa Chang and Noble Family Steakhouse, are
accused of hiring the service despite knowing the Hungs lacked permits.

The companies and six employees were not formally charged but were given
deferred prosecution after returning their illegal earnings and paying fines
ranging from 5 thousand NT to 1 million NT.

Another of the indicted -- surnamed Tung (童) -- transported hazardous sludge
and toxic waste, profiting over 24 million NT..

Prosecutors emphasized the severe environmental harm caused by the illegal
dumping and have sought strict penalties.

(IG)