Taiwan's Largest Fake Cash-Out Scheme: Alleged Female Mastermind Extended Detention

Accused of orchestrating a NT$15.7 billion fraud, the case of Ou Yu-tung sparks ongoing legal battles.

The alleged female mastermind behind Taiwan's largest fake cash-out group, Ou Yu-tung, has had her detention extended. The Taipei District Prosecutors Office cracked the case, uncovering a fraud scheme involving a staggering NT$15.7 billion (approximately $485 million USD), allegedly led by 24-year-old Ou Yu-tung. After being indicted by the prosecutors and facing a potential 25-year prison sentence, Ou Yu-tung was transferred to court. She claimed she was not the ringleader and pleaded for bail, often with teary eyes. The court considered that Ou only admitted to lesser charges like participating in the organization and *laundering* money, while denying the more serious charges of aggravated fraud and masterminding the crimes. This suggested an attempt to evade responsibility. Furthermore, the court noted her previous attempt to flee the country and ruled to continue her detention.

Prosecutors have brought charges against a total of 80 individuals as part of "Operation Cutting Gold." Fifty-two detained defendants were transferred to court, with chief prosecutor Tseng Yang-ling, prosecutors Tsai Chia-chien, and Lin Hsiao-kan participating in the court proceedings. The court deemed that Ou Yu-tung and 14 other managers had significant involvement, leading to their continued detention. The remaining defendants who confessed to their crimes were granted bail and subjected to restrictions on their travel abroad.