Formerly involved in activities in the Southern California Chinese community with a background in medical and biotechnological research, Chen Changping was convicted by the Supreme Court of the Republic of China for his involvement in the sale of health supplements made from expired egg yolk powder by the Taiwan Huagan Gene Company. He has been issued a warrant by the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office. Chen Changping’s participation in public events as a professional has drawn attention to the case within the Chinese community, serving as a reminder for people to prioritize product sources and safety information when choosing health supplements.
In recent years, Chen Changping has been actively present in various Chinese community organizations, health seminars, and community events in Southern California, portraying himself as a medical expert and biotech researcher in public activities. With his criminal case being finalized in January this year after the Supreme Court rejected the appeal, community members are advising the public to carefully verify background information when it comes to health products, investment plans, or medical propaganda to avoid being misled by titles or qualifications.
According to Taiwan’s investigative data, the Huagan Gene Company commissioned the production of “IgY egg yolk powder” in 2007, which was not properly disposed of after expiration. The prosecution indicated that Chen Changping knowingly removed expiration date labels from the egg yolk powder beyond its expiration date, and sold it to downstream manufacturers to create 28 health supplements such as “Ganyizhuang” and “Haoxinquan” from 2011 to 2018, ultimately entering the market. After receiving a tip-off, the Kaohsiung City Health Bureau conducted an investigation, seizing a total of 6,375 kilograms of expired egg yolk powder.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Chen Changping was aware in company meetings that the products had exceeded their shelf life but falsely claimed that the products could be stored for 20 years without taking proper action. Both the first and second trials found him guilty of fraud and sentenced him to 3 years and 8 months in prison, with the responsible managers and employees also receiving prison terms. The Supreme Court rejected most of the appeals in January, confirming the final sentences.
However, when the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office notified Chen Changping to serve his sentence, they discovered that he had already left Taiwan for Los Angeles, USA on September 27, 2024. On February 11th this year, the prosecution officially issued a warrant for his arrest, with a validity period of 30 years. The Investigation Bureau of the Ministry of Justice subsequently listed the 76-year-old Chen Changping as a wanted fugitive and disclosed that his possible location of escape is Los Angeles, USA. A reward of NT $250,000 has been offered for any information, urging the public to provide leads.
Public records show that Chen Changping graduated from the National Taiwan University School of Medicine, holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University in the USA, has served as an associate professor at the University of Southern California, and possesses professional qualifications in nuclear medicine and anti-aging medicine in the USA. Due to his long-standing involvement in community activities with a medical background, he enjoys a certain level of recognition within the Chinese community.
Legal experts point out that being wanted does not mean that the individual has lost all their civil rights. If the public has information on Chen Changping’s whereabouts, they should report to the appropriate investigative authorities in Taiwan to assist in the pursuit efforts.
Furthermore, when encountering activities related to medical advice or fundraising, people should verify background information through public sources to avoid blindly trusting someone based solely on titles such as doctor or professor.
As health supplements become increasingly popular in the Chinese community, experts also remind consumers to verify product sources, labeling, and relevant certifications when purchasing health products. Relying solely on an individual’s title or promotional information for judgment is not advisable. ◇