By Chen Wen-chan and Sam Garcia / Staff reporter, with staff writerThe Ciaotou District Prosecutors’ Office yesterday sought to detain two people suspected of contravening the National Security Act （國家安全法） and committing fraud in the procurement of military drones, while a source said they used components sourced from e-commerce platform Taobao （淘寶）.請繼續往下閱讀...The office recently received a referral from the 8th Army Corps regarding a drone procurement contractor’s use of components made in China, Hong Kong and Macau.Prosecutors found Hang Jian Technology （航見科技） last year won the 8th Army Corps’ drone procurement contract with a bid of NT$2.95 million （US$92,616）.Hang Jian Technology’s head, surnamed Chang （張）, and a Real Plus Technology （睿揚創新科技） technical director, surnamed Lo （羅）, allegedly procured Chinese-made drone chips, flight control boards and other components to assemble drones, then concealed product labels and submitted false certificates of origin to pass the drones off to the military, prosecutors said.The contract was originally estimated at more than NT$4 million, but Hang Jian Technology won the bid with a low offer and, seeking to make a large profit, used components sourced entirely from Taobao, a source familiar with the matter said.Prosecutors said they seized evidence at the two technology companies and other locations on Tuesday last week, and summoned the defendants and witnesses for questioning.After questioning, prosecutors said they suspected Chang and Lo of contravening the act and attempting to commit fraud under the Criminal Code.The court ordered Chang detained and held incommunicado, while Lo was released.Defense contractors must comply with procurement rules and laws, as procurement is tied to national security and the military’s combat capabilities, Ciaotou Chief Prosecutor Kuo Ching-tung （郭景東） said.Authorities would investigate any attempts to evade inspections with false documents or other means to ensure the quality of military equipment and that no prohibited products are involved, Kuo said.The 8th Army Corps said it discovered the use of Chinese-made components during an inspection, after which it withheld payment and referred the case to prosecutors for investigation.Under the Government Procurement Act （政府採購法） and contract terms, the contractor would be suspended from bidding, have its contract terminated and be held liable for breach of contract, the 8th Army Corps said.When contractors use products from prohibited sources and attempt to circumvent inspections with fake documents, the military investigates and refers the case to the authorities for legal action, it said.The 8th Army Corps would fully cooperate with the judicial investigation to ensure the quality of military equipment, operational readiness and national security, it added.Additional reporting by Huang Chia-lin and CNA新聞來源：TAIPEI TIMES
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