September 10, 2025 | Hsinchu
A convenience store worker in Hsinchu has been convicted of business embezzlement after taking two cans of milk from his workplace. The Hsinchu District Court sentenced him to eight months in prison, though the penalty was suspended for two years.
The employee, identified as Li, reportedly placed cartons of milk into his bag after completing his late-night shifts. On September 11, 2018, he took a can of Guangquan whole milk worth NT$100, and two days later, on September 13, he again concealed a can of Farm Direct 4.0 milk worth NT$209. The items were discovered missing by the store manager, who subsequently reported the matter to the police.
During the investigation, Li admitted to his actions. The court noted that he had abused his position as a store clerk for personal gain and failed to respect the property entrusted to him. However, since he acknowledged his wrongdoing early, compensated the store, and reached a settlement with the management, the judge granted him a suspended sentence instead of immediate jail time.
The case serves as a reminder, the court emphasized, that even minor theft in the workplace constitutes a serious breach of trust and may lead to criminal liability.
