A fraud syndicate recruited Malaysians with promises of easy, high-paying jobs overseas and opportunities to travel. But after arriving in Taiwan on tourist visas, they were put to work as cash withdrawal mules and money collectors.
The suspects withdrew and transferred fraud proceeds in Hsinchu, Miaoli, and Taichung. The Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the National Police Agency announced the results of its investigation on September 17. Police identified 10 suspects and 35 victims, with total losses exceeding NT$15 million. The defendants were sentenced to prison terms ranging from two to nine years. The Malaysian nationals involved will also be deported after serving their sentences.
The CIB’s Sixth Investigation Corps and the Hsinchu City Police Department uncovered the scheme while investigating cash withdrawal mules working for a fraud ring. Investigators found that the group had recruited people in Malaysia with promises of easy overseas jobs, high salaries, and opportunities to travel before arranging for them to enter Taiwan on tourist visas.
Once in Taiwan, the recruits were instructed to withdraw, collect, and transfer fraud proceeds in Hsinchu, Miaoli, and Taichung.
Police identified 35 victims, with total losses exceeding NT$15 million. In January, the Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office indicted the suspects on charges including fraud and violations of the Money Laundering Control Act and the Organized Crime Prevention Act. In February, the Hsinchu District Court sentenced the defendants to prison terms ranging from two to nine years.
The court also ordered the Malaysian nationals involved in the case to be deported after serving their sentences or if granted a pardon. They may also face civil claims for damages filed by the victims.
The CIB warns that fraud syndicates often lure recruits with promises of high salaries, generous benefits, and overseas jobs. Some even advertise opportunities to travel while earning easy money. In reality, these jobs may involve withdrawing, collecting, or transferring illicit funds. Anyone who sees similar job advertisements should stay alert and avoid getting involved in fraud schemes for financial gain.
