Man gets 2-year sentence for facilitating prostitution of 17-year-old girl; judge cites remorse and settlement for reduced term

A man in Taiwan has been sentenced to two years in prison for his role in facilitating prostitution for a minor. The individual, identified by the surname Xiao, collaborated with an online escort group to arrange sexual encounters for a 17-year-old girl on six separate occasions.

Xiao profited from these transactions, earning commissions ranging from NT$3,500 to NT$10,000 per instance. He was convicted of six counts of violating the Child and Youth Sexual Exploitation Prevention Act for intentionally facilitating a minor into prostitution for profit. In addition to the prison sentence, he was fined NT$80,000 and granted a five-year suspended sentence, contingent upon completing 10 legal education sessions.

The court's decision took into account several factors that led to a reduced sentence. Xiao confessed to his actions during police and court proceedings. The victim, while underage, was 17 and nearing the age of 18. Furthermore, Xiao reached a settlement with the girl's family, agreeing to pay NT$250,000, of which NT$150,000 had already been paid prior to the sentencing, demonstrating remorse.

Given these circumstances, the judge invoked Article 59 of the Criminal Code, the "compassionate consideration clause," to mitigate the sentence. The court determined that imposing the minimum statutory sentence of three years or more would be excessively harsh. The ruling acknowledges Xiao's culpability while also considering his cooperation and efforts toward reconciliation.