Hsinchu Police Bust Prostitution Ring, 55 Arrested

Hsinchu City Police announced on the 26th that they have dismantled a prostitution ring. The operation led to the arrest of 8 group members led by a man surnamed Chiu, 35 Thai women involved in sex work, and 12 customers. Over NT$160,000 in illicit gains was seized. Police stated that 7 members, including Chiu, have been referred to the Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office for violations of the Human Trafficking Prevention Act and public indecency charges, with one other member under separate investigation. The Thai women were handed over to the National Immigration Agency's Hsinchu City Special Task Force for processing, while the customers were released after questioning. According to police reports, the group recruited Thai women holding tourist visas to work illegally under the guise of tourism, providing escort and sex services at various venues in Hsinchu City. After over two months of surveillance and evidence gathering, police identified the group's base at a local bistro and other KTV venues. A joint operation with the National Immigration Agency involving 32 officers was carried out to arrest the suspects.