TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei prosecutors are investigating a suspected money laundering scheme involving Uber Eats, with alleged transactions exceeding NT$10 million (US$314,301).
Uber Eats previously identified unusual order patterns linked to food and beverage merchants, according to CNA. These included frequent last-minute changes to order notes, such as switching from delivery to pickup after payment had been made.
The platform reported the irregular activity to prosecutors, prompting further investigation. On Wednesday, authorities searched seven locations and summoned nine individuals connected to the case for questioning.
The Taipei District Prosecutors Office said a group under investigation may have used more than 300 customer accounts to place about 2,800 orders for food, snacks, and beverages with merchant accounts on Uber Eats. Many of the merchant accounts were set up or registered by a man surnamed Lin (林).
Authorities said the suspected scheme began in July 2023, when credit cards issued overseas were allegedly used to register customer accounts. In 2024, these accounts were reportedly used to place repeated orders through the platform.
Prosecutors are examining the source of the overseas credit card funds and whether delivery personnel may have helped facilitate the suspected transactions. The case is being handled under Taiwan’s Money Laundering Control Act as the investigation continues.