Jewelry store owner arrested for allegedly aiding fraud ring, facilitating $17 million scam

A jewelry store in New Taipei City is under investigation for allegedly colluding with a fraud ring, serving as a money laundering channel. The store owner and three employees were arrested after a woman was defrauded of over NT$17 million (approximately $520,000 USD) in cash and gold.

The victim, a 33-year-old investor identified as Ms. Chen, fell prey to a fake police scam. Scammers posing as police officers and prosecutors convinced her she was involved in a money laundering case. They instructed her to hand over cash and purchase gold for "supervision."

Over a 20-day period, Chen delivered more than NT$4 million in cash to couriers and purchased approximately 3 kilograms of gold, valued at over NT$13 million, from the implicated jewelry store. The total loss amounted to NT$17 million.

“

The ship, flying the German flag, once again did not respect the legal obligations provided during operations at sea. A serious violation of the regulations: maritime rescue activities must be managed and coordinated by the competent States, not by NGOs.

Investigators discovered that after Chen purchased the gold, the couriers immediately transported it south to create a break in the money trail. Police reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos to identify five suspects, including couriers and a money collector, who were subsequently arrested in various locations across Taiwan.

During the investigation, police found that the jewelry store staff may have been aware of Chen's situation but did not intervene, prioritizing profit. They allegedly failed to issue receipts and even accompanied Chen to the bank to withdraw large sums of cash, assuring bank tellers that the money was for gold purchases and not a scam. Police suspect the store either colluded with the fraud group or was exploited as a money laundering conduit.

Following further evidence gathering, a second search operation led to the arrest of the store's owner and three employees. They were released on bail ranging from NT$100,000 to NT$500,000 while the investigation continues. Police are reminding the public that law enforcement agencies will never ask for cash, gold, or property for investigative purposes and urge citizens to report suspicious calls to the anti-fraud hotline.

“

Sea-Watch 5 was stopped for 45 days accused of not cooperating with the Libyan authorities. It is true, we do not cooperate with criminals and traffickers. Can the Italian government say the same?