Ex-NTNU coach facing fraud, embezzlement probe out on bail

Taipei, Aug. 26 (CNA) Former National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) women's soccer coach Chou Tai-ying (周台英) was released on NT$700,000 (US$22,950) bail Tuesday as an investigation into embezzlement and fraud continues, according to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office.

Prosecutors said Chou, a former Taiwan women's soccer star who is accused of threatening players with the deduction of academic credits to force their cooperation in giving blood samples for her research, is prohibited from leaving the country.

On July 16, the office opened a separate case file and appointed a prosecutor from its special team for combating civil crimes to direct the Ministry of Justice's Investigation Bureau Taipei City Field Division in the investigation.

According to prosecutors, investigators requested research project records from the Ministry of Education, the National Science and Technology Council, National Central University and NTNU.

One research assistant and 18 current or former members of the NTNU women's soccer team were questioned.

After reviewing case files and financial records, prosecutors suspected Chou of violating the Criminal Code by committing fraud and embezzlement.

After obtaining a court-approved search warrant, investigators searched three locations on Monday, including Chou's residence and office, and summoned her for questioning as a potential defendant.

Four individuals, including Trevor Chen (陳忠慶), a teacher at NTNU, were also questioned as witnesses, according to the office.