Supreme Court Confirms Life Sentences in Taiwan’s Major Extortion Case
On Wednesday, Taiwan’s Supreme Court upheld the life sentences for two key offenders involved in a gruesome extortion gang operation, marking a significant conclusion to the high-profile case that has shocked the nation. The case, which involved the unlawful detention and extortion of numerous victims, ended with the death of three individuals in 2022.
Life Sentences for Main Defendants
The two main offenders, Fu Yu-lin (傅榆藺) and Chen Hua-wei (陳樺韋), both of whom played pivotal roles in orchestrating the large-scale extortion operation, had their life sentences confirmed by the Supreme Court. Originally sentenced by the Shilin District Court on November 22, 2023, Fu and Chen were found guilty of leading a gang that deceived 267 victims, swindling them out of NT$393.42 million (approximately US$12.1 million).
The life sentences were upheld after appeals from the defendants, with the Taiwan High Court having already affirmed the lower court’s ruling in July 2024. The Supreme Court’s decision on Wednesday marks the final ruling for the 24 accused individuals, as no further appeals are allowed.
Accomplices Face Lengthy Sentences
In addition to the two main offenders, 22 other members of the gang received sentences ranging from five years to nearly 30 years. These individuals were involved in various criminal activities, including fraud, unlawful detention, and physical assault. The gang operated out of multiple locations across northern Taiwan, where victims were held against their will while being extorted for money.
Grisly Discoveries and Victim Accounts
The case first came to light in 2022, when New Taipei City police discovered three bodies in mountainous regions of Taoyuan City and Nantou County. Investigators later determined that Tu Cheng-che (杜承哲), the leader of the “Blue Way” (藍道) criminal syndicate, had instructed Fu and Chen to set up a team that targeted victims online. The victims were tricked into providing their bank account details, after which they were detained in various locations.
The gang subjected some of the victims to horrific abuse, including beatings, electric shocks, and drugging. Two victims died from their injuries, while a third reportedly fell from a window while trying to escape in October 2022. The court’s press release on Wednesday detailed the extent of the violence perpetrated by the gang.
Ongoing Trials and Sentencing for Other Syndicate Members
In a related case, Tu Cheng-che and three other key figures of the “Blue Way” syndicate were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Shilin District Court on July 10, 2024. Their appeals are still pending, as they continue to contest their convictions.
The final ruling by the Supreme Court brings closure to the case for the 24 individuals convicted, but investigations into the syndicate and its activities remain ongoing. Authorities have pledged to continue their efforts to dismantle criminal gangs operating across the country.
Key Facts and Sentences in the Case
| Defendant | Sentence | Crime |
|---|---|---|
| Fu Yu-lin | Life imprisonment | Lead role in extortion, fraud, unlawful detention |
| Chen Hua-wei | Life imprisonment | Lead role in extortion, fraud, unlawful detention |
| Accomplices (22) | 5 to 29 years imprisonment | Fraud, illegal detention, physical abuse |
| Tu Cheng-che (Syndicate Leader) | Life imprisonment | Leading the “Blue Way” syndicate, instructing gang leaders |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What were the main crimes committed by the gang? | The gang was involved in large-scale fraud, unlawful detention, and physical abuse, leading to three deaths. |
| How much money did the gang defraud from victims? | The gang defrauded a total of NT$393.42 million (US$12.1 million) from 267 victims. |
| What happened to the victims of the gang? | Many victims were held against their will, drugged, beaten, and tortured, leading to the deaths of three individuals. |
| What is the status of the remaining criminals? | Tu Cheng-che and other key members of the syndicate were sentenced to life imprisonment in a related trial, with their appeals pending. |
| How did the authorities uncover the gang’s activities? | The case came to light after New Taipei City Police discovered the bodies of the victims in mountainous areas of Taiwan. |
