Police arrest key suspect in massage parlor paint-splashing extortion case

Police in New Taipei City have apprehended a primary suspect in a series of paint-splashing attacks on a massage parlor chain, reportedly linked to extortion. The suspect was arrested on the tourist island of Xiaoliuqiu while on vacation.

The incidents involved two masked assailants who doused the reception area and lobby of a massage parlor in Banqiao with red paint. Investigations revealed the attacks were connected to a former shareholder's substantial debt of NT$60 million.

Authorities suspect the involvement of the Hong Ren Hui triad, a known criminal organization. The victimized business, which operates branches in both Taipei and New Taipei, had previously received threats, including demands for share transfers and the delivery of a bulletproof vest. The harassment escalated to paint, feces, and cockroaches being thrown at the establishments, causing significant damage to the interior decor.

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The former shareholder owed NT$60 million in debt. Although he had withdrawn from the company, the creditors continued to send people to cause trouble.

Taipei police identified a criminal group led by a man surnamed Wang from the Hong Ren Hui triad as being behind the extortion. The group demanded the business owner resolve the former shareholder's debt. When the owner stated the shareholder had already withdrawn, the group persisted, using the share transfer document to demand repayment of the NT$60 million.

Following the paint and waste attacks in early July, police apprehended three minors. Further investigation led to the identification of Wang, along with accomplices surnamed Zhang and Chen. The 20-year-old suspect, Chen, was the alleged ringleader in the New Taipei incident. Police are continuing to investigate the extent of the triad's involvement.

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We will thoroughly investigate and clarify the situation to eliminate evil.