Sentence reduced to 9 years and 8 months in second trial; Guo Zhe-min hopes for early execution

Guo Zhe-min, the operator of the '88 Club', was sentenced to 9 years and 8 months in the second trial for illegal foreign exchange and gambling. His lawyer stated that Guo is calm, respects the verdict, and hopes for the case to be finalized soon so he can begin his sentence. The Taiwan High Prosecutors Office is reviewing whether to appeal. The case involves Guo operating online gambling and underground exchange services. He fled to Thailand but was extradited in August 2023. The first trial court sentenced him to 11 years and 8 months, citing 3.5 billion TWD in illegal gambling profits and 21.8 billion TWD in illegal exchange volume. The second trial reduced the sentence after Guo pleaded guilty to some charges and returned illegal gains.