TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Police said Friday (Aug. 9) they arrested 14 men for using a tea house in Taoyuan as a base to recruit underage money mules for a fraud syndicate.

A man surnamed Chan (詹), linked to the Tian Dao Meng gang, led the operation. Minors from troubled homes were lured with promises of easy money, per CNA.

Stolen funds were laundered via underground gambling and cryptocurrency before being sent overseas. More than 10 people were scammed out of about NT$25 million (US$772,249).

To avoid detection, the gang ordered money mules to dump the stolen cash in public restrooms. Violence was used to control the mules, with threats and beatings levied against those who failed to meet targets or were caught by police.

Elderly individuals were the primary targets of the scam, which involved impersonating law enforcement officials.