Group-Buy Host Sentenced to 11 Years in Taichung Fraud Case Linked to Family of Five's Suicide

(CNA, by reporter Su Mu-chun, Taichung, May 20) In a case where a family of five in Fengyuan, Taichung, fell victim to investment fraud, the group-buying host surnamed Lee, for whom prosecutors had sought a 15-year sentence on charges including fraud, was sentenced today. After the first-instance trial, the Taichung District Court sentenced Lee to 11 years in prison for fraud and other offenses; the verdict can be appealed. Ms. Lee, who ran a group-buying business and was in debt, defrauded a family of five in Fengyuan District, Taichung, of over NT$15.36 million, which ultimately led to the five individuals taking their own lives. After an investigation, the Taichung District Prosecutors Office indicted Ms. Lee on charges including fraud and recommended a heavy sentence of 15 years or more, hoping the sentencing would rectify societal values. After being tried by the Taiwan Taichung District Court, the first-instance verdict was announced today. Ms. Lee was sentenced to 11 years in prison for crimes including fraud and extortion. The case can be appealed.