Overseasidol.com — A major scandal has rocked the Taiwanese entertainment industry as authorities continue their investigation into a military service evasion ring.
The operation, dubbed by media as the “Draft Dodgers Syndicate” has already seen the arrest of several men subject to mandatory military service.
Among the notable names is actor Darren Wang, who had already begun serving his alternative service in Taipei before being apprehended.
The investigation intensified earlier this week with a second wave of arrests carried out in the Greater Taipei and Taoyuan areas.
Police detained a number of individuals suspected of successfully avoiding military conscription through fraudulent means. Among those reportedly involved are prominent entertainers.
They are including William Liao, from the popular former boy band Lollipop@F, as well as singers Nine Chen, comedian Daniel Chen, Daikon, and former “Choc7” member Peter Li.
Several others from the modeling and theater industries were also named.
William, once a standout member of the Lollipop boy band, gained fame through his sunny disposition and athletic background.
Born into a family of sports educators, he was active in cheerleading, martial arts, and track and field.
His strong physical profile had long suggested he was more than capable of completing regular military duties, making the evasion allegations particularly striking.
Authorities have uncovered that the evasion scheme involved deceit during medical examinations.
Recruits were allegedly coached to simulate high blood pressure by holding their breath or tensing muscles during check-ups.
Once diagnosed with potential hypertension, they were sent home with monitoring equipment.
There, individuals with real cardiovascular conditions were enlisted to wear the monitors on their behalf, producing false data to support exemption claims.
While William was reportedly in Green Island when news broke, he has confirmed that he will fully cooperate with investigators.
Similarly, another suspect, Daikon, is expected to return to Taiwan from overseas to face questioning.
