S’porean apprehended after becoming ‘runner’ for scam syndicate in Taiwan
A Singaporean man was recently arrested in Taiwan for working as a “runner” for a scam syndicate.
During the investigation, he admitted to joining the group because he was short of money.
Caught while collecting money from victim
Police in the Jiaoxi township in Taiwan issued a press release on Tuesday (19 Nov) regarding the arrest of a man who was collecting money from a scam victim.
Source: China Times
According to Shin Min Daily News, the case involved a 46-year-old local woman who fell prey to a Facebook investment scam.
Lured by advertisements and promises of “guaranteed profits,” she was tricked into joining a LINE chat group operated by fraudsters posing as investment consultants.
The victim reportedly handed over NT$1.22 million (S$50,000) in three separate transactions.
When no returns were received, she became suspicious and reported it to the police.
Acting on her report, the police identified the runner involved in the scam.
During a fourth arranged cash handover, officers apprehended the suspect at a convenience store, catching him red-handed while picking up the cash.
Joined scam group as runner due to financial difficulties
In a video statement, a deputy chief explained that police found forged contracts, work IDs, receipts, and over NT$1 million (S$41,000) in cash on the runner.
They then discovered that the suspect was a 22-year-old Singaporean man surnamed Ye (name transliterated from Chinese).
Ye reportedly spoke fluent Mandarin, which helped him gain the victim’s trust.
He had no stable job and admitted to committing the crime due to financial difficulties.
Source: China Times
He said that he was convinced by the scam syndicate’s promises of “easy money, minimal effort, and low risk.”
He then entered Taiwan as a tourist to work as a scam runner.
A scam “runner” is someone who acts under the instructions of a scam syndicate to withdraw or collect money from victims.
The case has been forwarded to the Yilan District Prosecutors’ Office for investigation under charges of fraud and money laundering.
Further police investigation into the scam syndicate is ongoing.
Also read: 20-year-old US-based S’porean charged in S$300M crypto scam, splurged on luxury cars & nightclubs
20-year-old US-based S’porean charged in S$300M crypto scam, splurged on luxury cars & nightclubs
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Featured image adapted from China Times.
