ASIA!

It turns out that the family of Taiwan's former President Chen Shui-bian—wife, son, daughter, son-in-law—has been using a slush fund earmarked by the president for state purposes as their private shopping kitty. From a diamond ring to toilet paper, this growing list is now a source of endless mirth to the cynical Taiwanese who have long given up hope on their government.

The shopping list that is bringing

down a government...

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TAX INVOICE

Chen Chih-ching (son)

Item Price (NT$)

Law books 2488

Magazines 1600

Theme park pen holder 1200

Meals 5379

(in Tony Roma's, Bellini Café etc)

Shopping 3808

TOTAL: $14’475

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RECEIPT

Wu Shu-chen (wife)

Item Price (NT$)

SOGO gift voucher 279419

Cosmetics 99750

Gifts 175650

Sunglasses 17000

Meals in Hilton Hotel 25569

Japanese meal 26925

Imported women clothing 11592

Scarf from London 35000

Tiffany diamond ring 30000

Toilet paper from Watsons 30

TOTAL: $700’935

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TRANSACTION

Chen Hsing-yu (daughter)

Item Price (NT$)

Burberry 49944

Disney English lessons 44500

Baby goods 16000

Children's wood set 791

Barrier for baby bed 1395

Baby clothing 1470

Health supplements 9046

TOTAL: $123’146

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RECEIPT NO. 150014

Chao Chien-min (son-in-law)

Item Price (NT$)

Japanese meal 10560

Shopping 19110

Magazine 1621

Pillows 3990

Duvet 14440

Phone 6080

TOTAL: $55’801

1 US$ = NT$32.86

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