The Taipei District Court sentenced former gynecologist Cheng Wen-fang yesterday. The Cheng Wen-fang sentencing resulted in six years and nine months behind bars. The court convicted him of forcible indecency and attempted aggravated rape. He used drugs to assault three female sales representatives from 2020 to 2021. Therefore this case has deeply shocked Taiwan’s medical community.
Cheng invited the women to dinner at izakaya restaurants. He then secretly spiked their drinks without their knowledge. After they became incapacitated, he took them to a hotel. Alternatively he brought them to laboratories at National Taiwan University. One victim escaped after regaining consciousness during the assault. Another woman had a friend collect her from the restaurant after she grew disoriented.
The first allegations emerged in early 2023 from a pharmaceutical sales representative. However surveillance footage from a motel showed no signs of drugging. Consequently prosecutors dropped that particular case without any charges. Nevertheless local media reports prompted three additional sales representatives to come forward. These women also accused Cheng of drugging and assaulting them. They petitioned lawmaker Fan Yun to publicize their case for justice.
Prosecutors summoned Cheng for questioning in April 2024. They released him on bail of NT$400,000 shortly afterward. Then the office indicted him in November 2024 on multiple criminal charges. However Cheng fled to Canada the following month before his trial. The court issued an arrest warrant after he failed to appear in March. Canadian authorities arrested Cheng in October and returned him to Taiwan. He has remained in custody since October 21.
The Cheng Wen-fang sentencing now allows for a possible appeal. Legal experts say the verdict sends a strong accountability message. Survivor groups have praised the court’s decision as justice served.
