Taiwan Fraudster Receives Life Sentence for Brutal Murder of Money Mules

Supreme Court Upholds Conviction in a Shocking Case of Financial Crime Turned Deadly

Taipei, May 5 – In a decisive ruling, the Supreme Court has upheld a life sentence against a man convicted of murdering two associates within a fraudulent scheme. The verdict brings an end to a long legal battle and underscores the severity of crimes associated with organized fraud in Taiwan.

The court's decision is final, closing the case.

The convicted individual, Su, initially received a life sentence from the Taoyuan District Court in October 2023. He was also stripped of his civil rights for life. The Taiwan High Court subsequently affirmed this sentence in January 2025. The Supreme Court, on Monday, rejected Su's final appeal against the ruling, confirming his conviction.

The case originates from August 2022. Su instructed two individuals, surnamed Yang (楊) and Chen (陳), who were part of the same fraud operation, to withdraw money from a bank in Xinzhuang District, New Taipei. Their presence at the bank raised suspicion, and staff alerted the police. Upon questioning, Yang and Chen admitted they were acting under Su's direction, according to court documents.

Following their arrest, Su attempted to manipulate their statements, urging them to retract their confessions. Yang then demanded NT$8 million (approximately US$268,200) from Su to alter their testimony.

Enraged by this demand, Su acquired a modified pistol and ammunition. On September 1, 2022, he met with Yang and Chen at a rental suite in Taoyuan. After brandishing the firearm, an argument erupted, leading to a deadly confrontation.

According to court rulings, Su first shot Yang, fatally wounding him. He then turned the gun on Chen, also causing immediate death.