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Kaohsiung Loan Shark Tycoon's Family Kidnapped for NT$11.4 Million; 3 Accomplices Heavily Sentenced

From Liberty Times · (1h ago) Chinese Critical tone

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Three individuals have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their roles in the kidnapping and ransom of a 'loan shark tycoon' and his family in Kaohsiung.
  • The perpetrators, including Wang Fu-feng, kidnapped the victim's family and held them for NT$11.4 million (approx. $350,000 USD) in ransom.
  • The main suspect, Jiang Zhong-ying, fled to Vietnam with the ransom money after deceiving his accomplices, who received no share and now face prison sentences.

In a stark reminder of the dark underbelly of the financial world, Kaohsiung has seen a significant legal development with the sentencing of three individuals involved in a brazen kidnapping. Liberty Times reports on the case where a 'loan shark tycoon' and his family were abducted and held for a substantial ransom, highlighting the extreme measures taken by those desperate or driven by greed.

The case involved Wang Fu-feng, who was burdened by significant debt, and Jiang Zhong-ying, who owed Wang a considerable sum. Together, they plotted to kidnap the victim, identified as a prominent figure in the lending business. The operation was meticulously planned, involving the abduction of the victim's son first, followed by his mother and then the tycoon himself. The victims were confined in large plastic barrels, a detail that underscores the inhumane nature of the crime.

Rather than taking 3 million, we might as well bury you all!

— Wang Fu-fengWang Fu-feng threatened the victim's wife when she stated they could only pay NT$3 million, indicating the ruthlessness of the kidnappers.

The kidnappers successfully extorted NT$11.4 million (approximately $350,000 USD) from the family. However, the situation took a dramatic turn after the ransom was paid. The primary suspect, Jiang Zhong-ying, managed to escape to Vietnam with the entire sum, leaving his accomplices, Wang Fu-feng and two others, empty-handed and facing severe legal consequences. This betrayal highlights a common theme in criminal enterprises: the ultimate self-interest of the ringleaders.

Wang Fu-feng was sentenced to 12 years in prison, while his accomplices received 10 years and 6 months. The court cited the inhumane treatment of the victims, particularly being confined in plastic barrels, as a key factor in the sentencing. Despite a reduction in Wang's sentence for releasing the victims after ransom, the severity of the crime and the lack of restitution to the victims led to the heavy penalties. This case serves as a grim illustration of the risks and repercussions associated with illicit financial activities and violent crime in the region.

Wang treated the victim like cargo, stuffing him into a plastic barrel, a method that was extremely inhumane.

— JudgeThe judge commented on the cruel methods used by the kidnappers during the trial.
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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