Foreign Nationals Arrested as Money Mules After Entering Taiwan on Tourist Visas; Kaohsiung Police Detain 4

(CNA reporter Chang Yi-Lien, Kaohsiung, September 9) The Kaohsiung City Police Bureau's Zuoying District Police Station arrested four foreign nationals between June and July who were suspected of acting as money mules for fraud operations. All four were ordered to be detained by the Qiaotou District Court. Police warn that fraud syndicates are increasingly recruiting foreigners to enter Taiwan under short-term tourist visas, complete cash withdrawals within about a week, and then depart—aiming to disrupt investigative continuity.

Police officers from the Zuoying District Police Station under the Kaohsiung City Government Police Department explained today that fraud groups have recently been frequently recruiting foreign nationals to come to Taiwan to withdraw illicit funds. Most enter under tourist visas, stay briefly for about one week, complete their withdrawal tasks, and immediately leave the country—attempting to create investigative gaps.

Police stated that at the end of June, a 45-year-old Hong Kong national surnamed Li was apprehended near a bank ATM while suspected of withdrawing fraud proceeds. Authorities seized NT$230,000 in cash, one bank card, and one mobile phone. Subsequently, in July, two Malaysian nationals—a 18-year-old surnamed Lin and a 39-year-old surnamed Leung—were also arrested at post office ATMs and other locations.

Police added that in mid-July, they identified a 26-year-old Malaysian national known as 'Ah Ji' as involved in the case. Through a joint prevention mechanism with the National Immigration Agency and the Aviation Police Bureau, 'Ah Ji' was intercepted and apprehended at Kaohsiung Xiaogang Airport. Authorities seized NT$2,800 in cash and two mobile phones during the operation. All four foreign money mules were ordered to be detained by the Qiaotou District Court.

Police stated they will strengthen patrols at high-risk withdrawal locations and enhance investigative efficiency through intelligence integration and inter-agency cooperation. They emphasized that combating fraud requires public participation and urged personnel from bus companies, taxi drivers, accommodation providers, financial institutions, and convenience stores to remain vigilant. If foreign nationals are observed frequently withdrawing cash at ATMs, exhibiting suspicious behavior, or suspected of acting as money mules, they should immediately report it. (Editor: Chang Kuo-Cheng) 1150809