Taiwan's Largest Fake Payout Scam: 80 Indicted, Leader Faces Over 25 Years

Massive Fraud Scheme Nets Billions, Targeting Thousands of Victims

The Taipei District Prosecutors Office has concluded its investigation into Taiwan's largest "fake payout" telecommunications fraud ring, uncovering the "Mei Le" company, which was established by members of the Bamboo Union gang. The investigation involved 95 members, with 52 detained following the "Zhan Jin Operation" at the end of last year. The authorities discovered that the fraudulent scheme had facilitated fake payouts to 5,080 victims across Taiwan, totaling over NT$850 million within a few months. The overall fraud amount exceeds NT$15.7 billion. The case has been concluded today with 80 individuals indicted on charges related to the Crime Prevention of Organized Crime Act, among others. The principal offender, Ou Yu-tung, faces a prison sentence of over 25 years.

The investigation revealed that Ou Yu-tung, a 24-year-old individual, met Wu Han-wei, a member of the Bamboo Union gang, while working in Taichung. After their relationship began, they established "Mei Le" company in May of last year. This company was a front for the fraudulent investment and fake payout scheme, with operational bases located throughout Taiwan, including Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.