Taiwanese prosecutors indict 18 in street racing crackdown, seek prison terms

Authorities in Hsinchu, Taiwan, have taken action against a street racing syndicate, with prosecutors indicting 18 individuals. The crackdown, initiated in mid-March, targeted illegal racing activities in the Xinfeng and Hukou areas. The indicted individuals face charges related to endangering public safety.

Prosecutors are seeking prison sentences ranging from seven months to one year and two months. The indictment targets key figures, including a motorcycle shop owner identified as Mr. Cheng and another individual named Mr. Chang, who allegedly facilitated illegal modifications for racing bikes. They are accused of profiting from selling modified bikes for NT$100,000 to NT$200,000 each, thereby fueling the illegal racing scene.

Further charges are directed at three individuals, including Mr. Hsu, who allegedly transported racers to and from the racing sites. This practice is said to have complicated police efforts to apprehend the racers. Among the 14 racers indicted are a serving soldier and two minors. They are accused of organizing late-night races at speeds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour, with some participants reportedly being high school classmates celebrating together.

The Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office, in coordination with the Xinhu Precinct, conducted searches and arrests in mid-March, initially apprehending 13 individuals and later bringing in five more. The investigation concluded with the indictment of all 18 individuals for violating public safety laws.