TAIPEI (Taiwan News) -- Three Chinese nationals pickpockets have been caught after pilfering NT$100,000 (US$3,280) from unwitting, mainly Japanese, tourists, during a recent stay in Taiwan on tourist visas, police announced on Friday.
All in their 50s, the three middle-aged men surnamed Liao (廖), Yang (楊), and Gao (高), had come to Taiwan several times from Guilin, in Guangxi Province since 2016 on tourist visas, and primarily targeted Japanese tourists, the police said.
Police received a tip-off that the the trio had been coming to Taiwan for 10-day stints and had most recently entered on July 6.
After trailing the men and reviewing CCTV video footage showing them picking pockets in Taipei 101, authorities arrested Gao on July 13 at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, reported CNA.
Police then arrested Yang at the Taichung International Airport on July 14, while Liao, the ringleader, was apprehended at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport on July 20.
The men worked as a team to block victim's paths in crowded, narrow walkways such as escalators and steal wallets from their bags. They often used credit cards they stole to make purchases of famous brand name clothing, watches, and even Taiwanese tea, with the victims not being aware until they received notice of fraudulent purchases from their banks.
It was during their most recent stay that they stole NT$100,000, according to police. Liao and Yang both deny committing the crimes, but after questioning the men, the Taichung District Prosecutors Office has opted to detain them. Meanwhile, Liao has been sent to the Taichung Prosecutors Office for further questioning.