fter it lost NT$56 million (US$1.72 million) in a heist that was engineered by a driver of one of the company's armored vehicles. The Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) -- which supervises the country's security firms -- imposed the fine on the Hsintien, Taipei County-based company and removed it from the bureau's list of excellent security companies on the grounds that serious human errors were made by the company's management in Wednesday's heist.
In line with a statement made earlier in the day by National Police Chief Hou You-ih that the company may have its license revoked if it is found to have been reckless in carrying out its operations, the bureau said more serious punishment might be meted out pending an investigation by the Taipei county police department.
In order to prevent similar incidents in future, the bureau said it will start a sweeping check-up on the nation's 500-odd security companies in the leadup to the Lunar New Year shopping season.
Meanwhile, the CIB has asked Chinese security authorities to help apprehend the driver of an armored cash delivery van who is thought to have fled to China after making away with NT$56 million (US$1.72 million).
Lee Han-yang, 45, reportedly stole the cash that he and a security guard for the private security company Group 4 Securicor were supposed to transport to two local banks in Taipei city Tuesday morning.
Lee, who has worked with Group 4 Securicor for some four years, reportedly drugged his colleague before making away with the huge sum of money and fleeing to Hong Kong the same day.
Lee reportedly phoned Group 4 Securicor several hours later from Hong Kong, telling the company that he was in Hong Kong and that he had left his co-worker, Lin Jung-teh, passed out in the armored vehicle.
CIB officials, who believe that Lee has since gone into hiding in China, have asked Chinese public security authorities to help track Lee down.
The money that Lee stole is believed to have been taken into China via underground money exchange channels, CIB officials said.
Lee's wife and younger brother, who were interrogated by police after the heist, told investigators that they had perceived no signs beforehand that Lee was considering committing such a crime.
Before joining Group 4 Securicor, Lee used to serve as a policeman at Taipei County Police Station, but was fired due to some disciplinary problems.
Director General Hou Yu-ih instructed the CIB to examine the business operations of Group 4 Securicor to locate the reasons behind the firm's security loopholes shown in the case.
Besides facing fines for its operating shortcomings, the security firm is likely to see its business suspended if it fails to make improvements within a specified period.
Also yesterday, Interior Minister Lee Yi-yang, told lawmakers that his ministry will publicize the name list of officials to be punished in connection with the crime case, within three days.
Lee stressed that the National Police Agency under his ministry should move to establish a mechanism of communication with local security firms to better prevent a reoccurrence of this type of crime.
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