Unknown powder allegedly poured into soup pot during business hours; 10 outlets of popular chain affected

(Taipei, Jan 1) Ten outlets of the well-known Taiwanese sesame-oil chicken chain “Zhuangjia Ban Sesame Oil Chicken” in the Taipei–New Taipei area were targeted on the afternoon of Dec 31, when suspects allegedly poured a powdered substance into the soup bases during business hours and fled. Police said the substance was large amounts of sugar/seasoning, which was used to sabotage the broth. Authorities have arrested three suspects and are investigating whether there were additional accomplices or anyone directing the attacks.

According to investigators, the incidents occurred at around 4 p.m. across outlets in Luzhou, Zhonghe and Tamsui in New Taipei City, as well as Wenshan, Beitou and Shilin in Taipei. The perpetrators, described as riders wearing full-face helmets, allegedly acted when staff were distracted, dumped the sugar into the pots, and escaped quickly. Police also recovered sugar packaging left at one of the outlets.

Sources familiar with the matter suggested the attacks may be linked to a dispute among shareholders, though police said the motive is still under investigation.

After receiving reports, Taipei and New Taipei police formed a joint task force under prosecutors’ direction, reviewed CCTV footage, and tracked the suspects by vehicle. On the night of Dec 31, police arrested three men—aged 22, 25 and 21—in locations including a hotel in the Luzhou area and in Tamsui. Officers said the suspects’ phones appeared to have been wiped. Their statements were inconsistent; one suspect claimed he acted out of frustration, but police believe the near-simultaneous nature of the attacks suggests planning and division of roles.

Police have referred the suspects for prosecution on suspicion of offenses including intimidation endangering public safety and property damage, and said they will continue to pursue the full chain of responsibility.