Taiwan: Cosplay Photographer Arrested on Sex Assault Charges, Authorities Discover 1700+ Sexually Explicit Images

Investigation into alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl in Yunlin leads to the arrest of a cosplay photographer and the discovery of extensive digital evidence.

A case involving alleged sexual assault has unfolded in Yunlin, Taiwan, prompting an investigation into a cosplay photographer, referred to as Mr. Wu. A 13-year-old girl is suspected to have been sexually assaulted and filmed by Mr. Wu.

The girl's mother expressed frustration that Mr. Wu continued to solicit shoots online even after the incident was reported to the police. She also expressed concern over the lack of support and information available, as police cited the lack of formal reports from other potential victims. The Yunlin District Prosecutors Office responded that Mr. Wu was apprehended on May 6th, and that over 1700 sexually explicit images were discovered on his hard drive, many involving underage girls. A detention request was filed and approved by the Yunlin District Court on May 7th.

The girl's mother stated that she sought information about the case, but was informed that the investigation was "not public." She also noted that the accused continued to seek shoots online. The girl subsequently received anonymous messages at school, reporting that her images were shared. This caused the girl to avoid going to school, and she is being cared for at home.

The Yunlin District Prosecutors Office has stated that they received a report from the Douliu Police Department of the Yunlin County Police Bureau, which detailed a 13-year-old girl's suspected sexual assault and the recording of sexual images. The investigation has identified a 29-year-old suspect, Mr. Wu, and a search warrant was executed at his residence in Tainan City, resulting in the seizure of a computer hard drive and memory cards.

Forensic analysis of the hard drive revealed more than 1700 sexually explicit images of Mr. Wu with various women, including multiple minors. The prosecution has charged Mr. Wu with aggravated sexual assault, sexual intercourse with minors under 14, sexual intercourse with those between 14 and 16, and violations of the Child and Youth Sexual Exploitation Prevention Act. The prosecution has determined that there is substantial evidence against Mr. Wu and that there is a risk of collusion, destruction of evidence, and repeat offenses. As such, Mr. Wu remains in detention.

The Yunlin District Prosecutors Office encourages any victims who have been photographed or sexually assaulted by Mr. Wu to report the incidents to the office or the Douliu Police Department of the Yunlin County Police Bureau.