72-year-old woman scammed by 'foreign tycoon' in online romance; Kaohsiung police arrest money mule

A 72-year-old woman surnamed Yu in Kaohsiung met a man on Facebook who claimed to be a 'Singaporean tycoon.' The man showered her with affection, leading her to believe he would visit Taiwan. However, he later claimed his 'package was stuck at customs' and demanded NT$38,000 in taxes. He then claimed he was detained at customs and needed NT$200,000 in 'ransom.' After paying, the man demanded another NT$300,000, prompting Yu to realize she was being scammed. The Fengshan Precinct of the Kaohsiung City Police Department received the report and set up a sting operation. Police arrested the 49-year-old suspect, surnamed Hong, when he arrived to collect the money. Evidence including a mobile phone and receipts were seized. The case has been referred to the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office for fraud and money laundering charges. Police warned that romance scams often use identities like 'overseas tycoons' or 'doctors,' and urged the public to be vigilant whenever money is mentioned.