Taiwan’s top envoy in Geneva has been ordered to return home to respond to allegations of workplace bullying, misuse of public funds and other misconduct, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said yesterday.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched a formal investigation into the behavior of Greg Lee (李冠德), director-general of the Taipei Cultural and Economic Office in Geneva, after receiving a signed complaint from employees at its Geneva office late last month, Lin said.
Because the allegations cover numerous issues and cannot be adequately addressed through written correspondence, the ministry formally instructed Lee to return to Taiwan and provide a detailed explanation, Lin said.
Photo: Taipei Times
A special investigative task force has been formed and includes people from outside the ministry who have legal expertise, he said.
The investigation must be free from interference and any attempt to obstruct it would also be examined by the task force, Lin said.
Asked whether Lee would explain the situation to him personally, Lin said he would respect the task force’s procedures.
The ministry on Sunday last week announced that it was opening an investigation after several Taiwanese news outlets reported on a 134-page complaint signed by “all affected colleagues” that detailed seven categories of alleged misconduct.
Among the allegations was that Lee asked the Geneva office to use public funds to purchase bedding costing more than 2,500 Swiss francs (US$3,074) for his residence.
He was also accused of spending about NT$130,000 in public funds on high-end chocolates for Taiwanese guests attending events held alongside last year’s World Health Assembly, and later asking subordinates to submit false expense claims.
The complaint also alleged that Lee verbally humiliated subordinates and that his management style caused some employees to seek medical help.
Taiwan’s overseas missions represent the country and should provide work environments that allow diplomats to perform effectively, Lin said.
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