Taiwanese Authorities Crack Down on Violent Debt Collection Gang

Police in Taichung City Bust Group Threatening Victims with Amputation and Forcing them to Sign Promissory Notes

The Second Precinct of the Taichung City Police Department has successfully dismantled a debt collection ring operating in Taiwan. The gang, led by a man identified as Chen, used aggressive tactics to coerce victims into paying debts.

Chen, operating through a company, employed methods that included physical assault. The police investigation revealed that the group repeatedly assaulted two victims using objects such as hot glue sticks and baseball bats. These attacks resulted in multiple bruises on the victims' arms and backs.

The gang further intimidated the victims, compelling them to sign promissory notes totaling NT$8 million. They explicitly threatened to sever the victims' fingers if they failed to meet the payment demands. Faced with these threats, the victims reported the crimes to the police.

Following the report, the Second Precinct, under the direction of the Taichung District Prosecutors Office, launched an investigation. In April of this year, law enforcement apprehended Chen and ten other individuals. During the operation, authorities seized evidence, including approximately NT$4.63 million in cash, company uniform vests, signed promissory notes, surveillance equipment, and several mobile phones.

The suspects face charges including organized crime, extortion, and assault. After the prosecutor's review, they were released on bail ranging from NT$50,000 to NT$100,000.

Taichung City Police Department Director, Zhong Cheng-zhi, emphasized the department's commitment to combating organized crime through regional collaboration and the targeting of criminal enterprises. He also encouraged the public to report any information about criminal activities to the police to help maintain public safety and improve the quality of life in Taiwan.