TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Kaohsiung Police Department's Zuoying Precinct said it arrested four foreign nationals between June and July who allegedly acted as money mules in fraud schemes involving ATM withdrawals.
Police said the cases involved foreign nationals withdrawing large sums of money from ATMs before attempting to leave Taiwan. According to police, fraud rings are increasingly recruiting foreigners to enter Taiwan under the guise of short-term tourism. The suspects typically stay for about a week, withdraw large sums of money, and then return to their home countries after acting as money mules, per UDN.
In late June, police arrested a 45-year-old Hong Kong man surnamed Li in front of an ATM for allegedly withdrawing fraudulent funds. Officers seized NT$230,000 (US$7,130) in cash, a debit card, and a mobile phone.
In July, police arrested two more suspects at locations including a post office ATM. They were an 18-year-old Malaysian man surnamed Lin and a 39-year-old Malaysian man surnamed Liang.
In mid-July, police identified a 26-year-old Malaysian man known as "Aji" as a suspect. Working with the National Immigration Agency and Aviation Police Bureau, officers intercepted and arrested him at Kaohsiung International Airport.
All four suspects have been detained pending investigation by the Ciaotou District Prosecutors Office. Police said they will strengthen patrols around ATM hotspots while improving investigations and interagency cooperation to combat fraud, per CNA.
Authorities urged the public to help combat fraud and called on bus operators, taxi drivers, accommodation providers, financial institutions, and convenience store employees to remain vigilant. They specifically warned people to watch for foreign nationals who frequently withdraw large amounts of cash from ATMs, behave suspiciously, or appear to be acting as getaway drivers.
