07 May '25

Kaohsiung Court Delivers Justice: Sentences Handed Down in Human Smuggling Case

Seven Individuals Sentenced for Failed Attempt to Smuggle Taiwanese Nationals Abroad

Taipei, Taiwan – May 7 – The Kaohsiung District Court has concluded a case involving a failed human smuggling attempt, handing down sentences to seven individuals connected to the operation. The incident, which occurred last year, involved an attempt to transport 20 Taiwanese nationals out of the country aboard a fishing vessel.

The court's ruling, issued on May 1, outlines the sentences for those involved. A man identified as Tu (杜) was sentenced to three years and 10 months for financing the operation. Tu provided funds, approximately NT$400,000 (US$13,209), to the owner of the boat, the Haiyu No. 9 (海淯九號), unaware of the illicit nature of the planned voyage.

Another individual, Tseng (曾), received a three-year sentence for arranging payments to the crew and overseeing modifications to the vessel, including the construction of a hidden compartment designed to conceal the human cargo. The captain of the Haiyu No. 9, Yeh (葉), was sentenced to two years and two months in prison. Crew members Miao (苗) and Hung (洪) each received two-year terms.

Additionally, two other defendants, Tsai (蔡) and Huang (黃), who assisted in providing temporary shelter to the smuggled individuals, were sentenced to 20 months and 19 months, respectively. The court's ruling is subject to appeal.

According to court documents, the Haiyu No. 9 was intercepted by Taiwan's Coast Guard in August 2024 near the Port of Kaohsiung. Officers discovered cries for help emanating from the vessel. A subsequent search revealed 20 Taiwanese nationals – 18 men and two women – hidden within an airtight compartment. Despite the presence of oxygen-supplying equipment, the confined space had become "unbearable" due to its size.

The Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office later confirmed that 18 of the individuals attempting to leave the country were subject to travel restrictions due to involvement in fraud cases. The remaining two were wanted by law enforcement. All 20 individuals were either taken into custody or returned to face further investigation.

Other Versions

Justice • 08 Apr '25

A life in Taiwan

Kaohsiung Court Delivers Justice: Sentences Handed Down in Human Smuggling Case

Seven Individuals Sentenced for Failed Attempt to Smuggle Taiwanese Nationals Abroad

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