Taiwan’s Most Elite Marine Corps Unit Exposed: Missiles, WeaponsStolen and Sold to Gangs
Taipei, Taiwan – In a shockingrevelation of military negligence and corruption, a Taiwanese court has indicted four military personnel for stealing and selling military equipment, including a Stinger missile launch tube,to a local gang. The incident has cast a shadow over the reputation of the Taiwanese military and raised serious concerns about the security of its arsenal.
The scandalcame to light in March 2023 when law enforcement officials raided a suspected gang arms cache in Taoyuan City, seizing a large cache of active-duty military equipment, including ammunition, grenades, and a Stinger missile launch tube. Investigations traced the origin of the stolen goods to the 66th Brigade of the Taiwanese Marine Corps, widely considered the island’s most elite military unit.
According to the Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office, a thorough investigation revealed thata senior intelligence officer, a warrant officer, and two sergeants from the 66th Brigade were involved in the illicit sale of military equipment. The stolen items included ammunition, combat vests, and even a Stinger missile launch tube, which was reportedly lost after a 2009 training exercise.
The investigation also uncovered the involvement of a civilian, Xiong, who had previously served in the Taiwanese Navy and was later employed as the executive director of a toy gun training center. Xiong allegedly purchased the stolen military equipment from the soldiers and was subsequently indicted on charges of receiving stolen goods and corruption.
The indictment of the four militarypersonnel and Xiong has sent shockwaves through Taiwan’s military establishment. The incident has exposed serious flaws in the military’s security protocols and raised questions about the integrity of its personnel.
The 66th Brigade, known for its high level of training and readiness, has been the subject of intense scrutiny following thescandal. The incident has also raised concerns about the potential for stolen military equipment to fall into the hands of hostile actors, posing a significant threat to Taiwan’s national security.
The case is still under investigation, and the Taiwanese military has pledged to cooperate fully with the authorities. However, the scandal has already tarnished theimage of the military and highlighted the need for urgent reforms to address systemic issues of corruption and negligence.
References:
- 台媒：台军导弹发射筒流入黑帮，4名军人盗卖军品被起诉 (Chinese). Phoenix News. October 7, 2024.
- Taiwan Marine Corps unit accused of selling weapons to gangs (English). Taiwan News. October 7, 2024.
- Taiwan military faces scandal after weapons stolen and sold to gangs (English). The Diplomat. October 8, 2024.
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