MOFA Launches Investigation into Geneva Envoy Following Workplace Bullying Allegations

Taipei: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has initiated a thorough investigation into Taiwan's top envoy in Geneva, Greg Lee, following a petition from his subordinates alleging workplace bullying and other misconduct. According to Focus Taiwan, MOFA issued a statement on Sunday confirming the receipt of a complaint against Lee. In response, a special task force, primarily composed of personnel from outside the ministry, has been formed to conduct the investigation. The focus of this probe is on the workplace bullying allegations, while other claims of misconduct will be addressed by relevant government agencies, the statement noted. The investigation was prompted after several local news outlets reported on a similar complaint over the weekend. The extensive 134-page complaint, reportedly signed by "all affected colleagues," enumerates seven categories of serious misconduct by Lee, who has served as director-general of the Taipei Cultural and Economic Office in Geneva since December 2024. Reports cit ing the complaint accuse Lee of workplace bullying, incompetent leadership, and misuse of public resources for personal gain. One specific allegation involves Lee's alleged use of public funds to purchase high-end bedding worth over 2,500 Swiss francs for his private residence. Additionally, he is accused of spending approximately NT$130,000 on luxury chocolates for "VIPs from Taiwan" at events linked to the 2025 World Health Assembly. The complaint further claims that Lee instructed office colleagues to submit false expense claims, misrepresenting the recipients as diplomatic contacts in an attempt to evade reimbursement audits. It also includes records of private conversations purportedly showing a pattern of humiliating verbal abuse from Lee towards his subordinates. These allegations, according to the reports, have led to significant physical and mental health issues among staff members, necessitating treatment and medication. Furthermore, Lee faces accusations of repeatedly violating traffic regulation s in Geneva, including speeding. Reports indicate that Lee delayed addressing a formal inquiry from Swiss police regarding these violations for over eight months.