Active soldier 'wanted to earn more money' and deserted for 1 year

A Taiwanese soldier, Private First Class Hsiao, has been apprehended after being a deserter for more than a year. He was found by military police on March 4, having left his unit on February 22 of the previous year without authorization.

Hsiao told prosecutors that his decision to leave his post stemmed from financial pressures. He stated that both his mother and brother are currently serving prison sentences, and he felt the military salary was insufficient. He expressed a desire to earn more money while outside the military.

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His mother and brother are both serving prison sentences, and the military salary is not high. He wanted to earn more money outside.

He claimed he intended to return to his unit after visiting his mother on March 3, but was apprehended the day before. He insisted he never intended to permanently leave the military.

The Nantou District Court sentenced Hsiao to 59 days of detention, which can be commuted to a fine of NT$59,000 (approximately $1,800 USD). The court considered his admission of guilt and lack of prior criminal convictions when determining the sentence. He was convicted of unauthorized absence from duty for more than six days.

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He wanted to return to the unit after seeing his mother on March 3, but was apprehended the day before.