TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Authorities in Taipei arrested several foreign scam operatives over the Double Ten holiday weekend (Oct. 10-12). These individuals posed as tourists and engaged in illegal activities such as withdrawing illicit funds. Police targeted multiple locations before uncovering a network of operatives involved in these fraudulent schemes.
Among those arrested, a 23-year-old Hong Kong national surnamed Hu (胡) and several members from Malaysia frequently transferred stolen funds and ATM cards in the restrooms of Wanhua Emei Parking Lot (萬華峨眉停車場). During checks in Zhongzheng and Shilin districts, officers discovered multiple ATM cards and large sums of cash, revealing them as scam group couriers.
In one Zhongzheng district operation, police found Hu carrying several Taiwanese ATM cards. When questioned about the cards, he appeared nervous, pretending to make a phone call before fleeing. Investigations revealed Hu had to collect funds after other team members were arrested.
These scam groups exploited the holiday period to recruit foreigners to work illegally under the guise of tourism. Many arrested operatives claimed they were misled through online job postings, believing they were coming to Taiwan for part-time tourism work and unaware that they had become accomplices in a scam operation. Authorities urged all foreign nationals not to trust high-paying illegal jobs to avoid becoming criminal accomplices and facing legal consequences.
>> If you or someone you know encounters suspicious calls, messages, or online offers, immediately contact Taiwan's Anti-Fraud Hotline at 165 for free consultation and assistance.
