Kind-Hearted Centenarian in Taiwan Victimized: Theft of Savings

A heartwarming tale of kindness betrayed, but justice prevails in Tainan.

In the vibrant city of Tainan, Taiwan, a shocking incident unfolded where an act of kindness was met with a despicable act of theft. A 104-year-old 李 (Li) - a true 人瑞 (renrui), or centenarian – graciously allowed a 56-year-old male, 蔡 (Cai), to use the restroom at his residence. Little did 李 (Li) know, this act of generosity would be exploited in the most callous way.

Taking advantage of the situation, 蔡 (Cai) stealthily pilfered a significant sum of money from the elderly man's home. In a shocking turn of events, 蔡 (Cai) made off with a staggering NT$120,000 (approximately $3,700 USD) that 李 (Li) had saved.

Fortunately, the local police force swiftly responded to the incident. A dedicated task force was formed, and within a mere three days, 蔡 (Cai) was apprehended. Remarkably, NT$116,000 (approximately $3,600 USD) of the stolen funds were recovered and returned to 李 (Li). Overjoyed at the unexpected recovery of a substantial portion of his life savings, 李 (Li) visited the police station to express his heartfelt gratitude and pose for photographs with the officers.

The events leading up to the theft unfolded on the evening of the 21st of the month. 蔡 (Cai), riding a bicycle, randomly selected his target. He approached 李 (Li) who was outside his home, repairing his bicycle, and feigned needing to use the restroom. The unsuspecting elderly man, out of the goodness of his heart, granted the request. While 李 (Li) continued to work on his bicycle, 蔡 (Cai) seized the opportunity to ransack the home, ultimately making off with the hard-earned savings.