Missing Machine Gun Barrel Sparks Investigation in Taiwan's Marine Corps

Years After Loss, Eight Individuals Face Charges Following T75 Machine Gun Barrel Disappearance.

In a case that has raised concerns within Taiwan's military, eight individuals from the Marine Corps' 66th Brigade are facing legal action following the loss of a T75 machine gun barrel. The incident, which occurred in late 2020, was only discovered during a unit inspection in 2023.

The investigation, conducted by the Military Police Command's Taoyuan Military Police, has resulted in charges being filed by the Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office. The charges are based on the Act of Military, Naval, and Air Force Criminal Code.

Prosecutors' investigation revealed that 潘 (Pan), a 42-year-old Lieutenant, served as the duty officer for weapons inventory from November 23rd to 27th, 2020. Alongside 邱 (Qiu), a 36-year-old Sergeant responsible for ordnance, the pair were tasked with verifying weapon packing during a troop movement on November 24th. However, their failure to properly conduct the inventory resulted in the loss of one spare barrel for a T75 squad automatic weapon, bearing the serial number 002246.