The Taipei District Court sentenced Wei Ying-chung, former chairman of Ting Hsin Oil and Fat Industrial Co. and Wei Chuan Foods Corp., to four years in prison Friday for fraud over a tainted oil scandal.
The court said that Wei used substandard ingredients to make profits with the sole intent of lowering costs. The court also ruled that Wei Chuan Foods should pay a fine of NT$15.5 million (US$476,625).
Throughout the trial, Wei insisted on his innocence, saying that the company has not produced substandard products and that the consciences of executives are clear. Wei said through his lawyer that he will appeal the ruling.
The high-profile oil scandal led to a boycott of Wei Chuan products, with the public urging government action to reinforce punishments for food safety violators.