TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Three pawnshop operators were released Friday without bail after questioning in a Taichung investment fraud case linked to the deaths of five family members.
Police discovered the bodies of five family members on the evening of July 2, including a 62-year-old man surnamed Wang (王), his 63-year-old wife, their two daughters aged 35 and 34, and their 28-year-old son. This prompted an investigation into a suspected investment scam, according to CNA.
Authorities said initial examinations following the inspection of the bodies ruled out homicide. Investigators believe the incident was a suicide likely triggered by overwhelming financial distress related to fraud.
According to police, the family had fallen victim to a gold-buying scam allegedly introduced by a woman surnamed Chang (張), a classmate of the eldest daughter. Chang is accused of referring them to another individual, surnamed Lee (李), who reportedly organized group gold purchases.
Both Chang and Lee were brought in for questioning on July 4.
Prosecutors placed Chang under residential restrictions after questioning her on suspicion of fraud. Lee was also listed as a suspect and released on NT$150,000 (US$5,125) bail, with a travel ban imposed.
On Thursday, authorities expanded the investigation and summoned six individuals linked to pawnshops and jewelry businesses. Three were transferred to the prosecutors' office for further questioning and subsequently released without bail on Friday.
Prosecutors confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and has been broadened.
Four suicide notes were recovered at the scene. In the letters, the family expressed regret over their involvement in the investment scheme and cited their trust in Chang as a contributing factor to their mounting debt and ultimate decision to end their lives.
EBC News reported that the family’s funeral and cremation, originally scheduled for Thursday afternoon, were postponed after relatives agreed to a forensic examination of the bodies, including toxicological testing to determine whether any sedatives or drugs were present. While relatives initially declined autopsies, the decision was revised following concerns about the circumstances of the deaths.
Forensic expert Kao Ta-cheng (高大成) said that while the case appears to involve suicide, tests are needed to determine whether the victims were sedated. If sedatives are found, full autopsies may follow to examine blood, urine, and stomach contents.
Kao added that establishing legal responsibility is difficult in cases of suicide related to fraud. Even if the victims took their own lives, current laws make it challenging to hold alleged scammers accountable for the resulting deaths.
If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, please seek help immediately. You can call the Taiwan Suicide Prevention Center at 1925, or the Taiwan Lifeline International at 1995 (English and Mandarin services available).
The Community Services Center hotline is available for foreign residents at 02-2836-8134 (business hours) or 0932-594-578 (after hours).
