Two Chinese men arrested in Taiwan after illegal boat entry

Two Chinese nationals who entered Taiwan illegally by inflatable boat were apprehended by the Coast Guard after a week-long tour of northern Taiwan. The men, identified as 35-year-old Luan from Qingdao, Shandong, and 44-year-old Yu from Urumqi, Xinjiang, landed on a beach in Bali, New Taipei City, on July 23.

They spent seven days traveling through New Taipei, Taipei, and Taoyuan. Their presence was first noted when a fisherman discovered their inflatable boat, along with life vests and other debris bearing Chinese characters, on July 24 near the northern breakwater of Taipei Port. The Coast Guard's Eighth Coastal Patrol Team initiated an investigation, reviewing surveillance footage to track their movements.

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We found the inflatable boat, and items printed with Chinese characters, including three life vests, a fuel tank, beverage cans, and toilet paper.

The pair was eventually arrested on July 30 in a park in Taoyuan. They claimed to have slept outdoors and denied having any local contacts or assistance. They were found with New Taiwan dollars and Chinese mobile phones. Following questioning, they were transferred to the Immigration Agency for temporary detention.

Prosecutors from the Shilin District Prosecutors Office requested the men be brought in for further interrogation. They were formally arrested on August 3, charged with illegal entry, and deemed a flight risk due to their lack of fixed residence. A request for their detention was granted by the Shilin District Court, with further investigation planned into their motives, methods, and any potential accomplices.

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We are investigating their motives, methods, and whether they had any accomplices or prior arrangements.