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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Crime & Justice

Gang, extortion suspects detained in livestreamed debt collection case

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources In the courts
  • Two individuals, Qiu Chuiliang and Zhong Zhenglin (known as 'Zhong Xiaozhong'), have been detained and barred from communicating with others in connection with a livestreamed debt collection case involving gangs and extortion.
  • The court ruled that both suspects pose a flight risk and a risk of tampering with evidence, citing their past criminal records and inconsistent testimonies.
  • The case involves allegations of forming a gang and engaging in extortionate practices in the Taoyuan and Shuangbei regions, with one suspect, Lv Yuquan ('Bengban'), having been released on bail.

A Taoyuan court has ordered the detention and prohibition of communication for Qiu Chuiliang and Zhong Zhenglin, also known as 'Zhong Xiaozhong,' in connection with a criminal case involving gang activities and extortion. The two are implicated in a livestreamed debt collection scheme that has drawn significant attention.

The judge noted that Qiu did not fully confess to all charges in the current case, and his testimony conflicted with that of other defendants.

— The courtExplaining the reasoning behind Qiu Chuiliang's detention, highlighting inconsistencies in his statements.

The court's decision to detain the suspects stems from concerns that they may abscond or tamper with evidence. Qiu Chuiliang, a member of the Bamboo Union's Xin Hall, has a history of legal entanglements, including previous detentions and convictions for offenses such as obstruction of freedom, extortion, and embezzlement. The judge noted that Qiu did not fully confess to all charges in the current case, and his testimony conflicted with that of other defendants. The court also cited the risk of him repeating similar offenses.

Zhong Zhenglin, who operates as a 'debt collection influencer,' also faces charges including assault, extortion, and trespassing. The judge pointed out that Zhong has a history of using intimidation tactics to collect debts and that his actions, particularly publicizing the debt collection process online for personal gain, have had a considerable impact on social order. Like Qiu, Zhong's testimony was found to be inconsistent with other defendants, and the court cited the risk of him colluding with co-defendants or witnesses and repeating his criminal behavior. The court found detention necessary for both individuals due to the seriousness of the alleged crimes and the potential threat to social order.

Like Qiu, Zhong's testimony was found to be inconsistent with other defendants, and the court cited the risk of him colluding with co-defendants or witnesses and repeating his criminal behavior.

— The courtDetailing the grounds for Zhong Zhenglin's detention, emphasizing concerns about evidence tampering and recidivism.

Investigations are ongoing, with police having apprehended 14 individuals in connection with the case. While Qiu and Zhong were detained, another suspect, Lv Yuquan, known as 'Bengban,' was released on NT$700,000 bail. The case highlights the intersection of organized crime, online influence, and illegal debt collection practices in the region.

The court found detention necessary for both individuals due to the seriousness of the alleged crimes and the potential threat to social order.

— The courtSummarizing the judicial decision to detain Qiu Chuiliang and Zhong Zhenglin.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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