Chinese Cybersecurity Software 'White-Labeled' into Ministry of Foreign Affairs System, Over 20 Million NTD in 3-Year Contracts

A cybersecurity procurement controversy has erupted at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs! Investigations by prosecutors reveal that three Taiwanese tech companies allegedly repackaged 'IP-guard' cybersecurity software developed by Guangzhou Yixin Technology in China, claiming it as original Taiwanese product. This allowed them to secure consecutive 3-year contracts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2023 to 2025, totaling over NT$20 million. The software has reportedly been installed on computers at multiple overseas missions, raising national security concerns. It is understood that the implicated companies allegedly collaborated: the person in charge of Anhe Technology, Mr. Lu, introduced the software, Yiwei Technology assisted with interface modification and maintenance, and then Kunyou Technology participated in the bidding. Prosecutors suspect that the winning bidders signed affidavits during the tender, guaranteeing the software was of Taiwanese origin and not a Chinese product, thus allegedly committing fraud, document forgery, and violating the "Government Procurement Act." The case only came to light during the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' routine cybersecurity audit in December 2025. Auditors discovered Chinese enterprise signatures on the software files and further confirmed the core program was related to a Chinese vendor, immediately reporting it to the Investigation Bureau. On October 12, 2026, the Taipei District Prosecutors Office directed the Investigation Bureau to search 10 locations and summon four related individuals. After questioning, the four were each granted bail ranging from NT$200,000 to NT$250,000, with restrictions on leaving the country or port. As of October 15, 2026, the case is still under ongoing investigation by prosecutors. Whether it involves classified information leaks, vendor liability, or loopholes in procurement management remains to be further clarified. This is outrageous. Letting those people get bailed out for such a small price. A security loophole, and a judicial loophole too. Hopeless 🙄