The Taiwan Taichung District Prosecutors Office, in conjunction with U.S. and Taiwanese law enforcement, has successfully apprehended key suspects in a significant financial fraud case that spanned across Taiwan and the United States. The operation targeted elderly victims and involved laundering over $100 million through an international network.
The investigation began in May 2023 after suspicious financial documents were discovered on two Taiwanese travelers. This led to uncovering a complex criminal organization that defrauded hundreds of elderly victims in the U.S., using shell companies and international accounts for money laundering.
This case represents a landmark in international cooperation. For the first time, investigators from Taiwan's Criminal Investigation Bureau and prosecutors from the Taiwan Taichung District Prosecutors Office traveled to the U.S. to conduct a proffer interview with a detained Taiwanese defendant under a Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement request. This resulted in the arrest of a suspect surnamed Liao, believed to be a high-ranking leader orchestrating global financial fraud schemes.
Key partners included Taiwan’s National Police Agency Criminal Investigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice, Homeland Security Investigations Offices in Taipei, Los Angeles, and Nashville.
HSI Supervisory Special Agent Brian Sherota remarked, "When international partnerships are forged in trust and driven by a shared mission, there is no criminal enterprise beyond our collective reach."
As the investigation continues, further arrests are expected. Efforts remain focused on tracking illicit financial flows and bringing those responsible to justice.
A joint press conference was held at the Taiwan Taichung District Prosecutors Office on May 14, 2025. Approximately 100 participants attended, including representatives from various agencies such as the American Institute in Taiwan and Homeland Security Investigations.