The Taiwan Army’s Matsu Defense Command (Matsu Command) has more than 60 non-commissioned officers under investigation by the prosecution for allegedly selling accounts to fraud groups to be used as figurehead accounts. The Matsu Command stated that the implicated officers will be dealt with accordingly based on the severity of the situation, and legal action will be taken.
The Fujian Lienchiang District Prosecutors Office of the Republic of China issued a press release today (8th) stating that they are investigating cases of violations of anti-money laundering laws involving senior officers such as Mr. Zeng, who allegedly collected Shopee seller accounts and linked financial accounts from comrades and rented them out to illicit groups for a fee. The investigation is currently ongoing.
In May 2024, the Fujian Lienchiang District Prosecutors Office launched a mechanism for monitoring suspicious accounts, based on information provided by banks, discovering abnormal accounts suspected of money laundering and tax evasion. This led to the initiation of investigations by the Central Department of Criminal Investigation of the Police Bureau and other agencies.
During the investigation, on November 6th, simultaneous searches were conducted on illicit tax evasion and money laundering groups. Mr. Zeng was apprehended and brought in for questioning. Due to the seriousness of the alleged crimes and concerns about collusion with defendants and witnesses, the prosecutor applied for and was granted detention and restricted access by the Fujian Lienchiang District Court. Six individuals who were renting Shopee seller accounts were also questioned and released on the same day.
Around 60 active-duty military personnel facilitated the renting of Shopee seller accounts to illicit groups through Mr. Zeng. The flow of funds and how they were used in potential scams is currently under investigation by the Fujian Lienchiang District Prosecutors Office, the Central Department of Criminal Investigation of the Police Bureau, and a comprehensive internal investigation by the Matsu Command. Those found guilty will face severe punishment.
To enhance awareness and prevention of fraud and money laundering among frontline military and civilians, the prosecutors’ office has been working with military agencies since October, conducting surveys and providing educational materials on topics such as virtual currency, investment fraud, romance scams, home-based work, fake police, fraudulent loans, and online shopping. Prosecutors have also created morning posters with fraud and anti-money laundering prevention slogans for dissemination. Efforts will continue to raise awareness and prevent money laundering through various means to protect military and civilians from falling victim to scams and legal repercussions.
Responding to media reports of “More than 60 non-commissioned officers being prosecuted for selling accounts,” the Matsu Command released a statement today reiterating that the case was initiated by the Lienchiang District Prosecutors Office and coordinated with the military judicial contact point to uncover the suspects. They emphasized adherence to the principles of conducting thorough investigation and appropriate punishment, as well as ensuring that implicated officers are dealt with according to the severity of the situation using the “Punishment Reference Table for Military Personnel Involved in Fraud Cases,” and will be prosecuted under the law.
The Matsu Command stressed that since the incident, they have been actively investigating and swiftly resolving the case in accordance with the law. They have also completed the reorganization of forces while minimizing any impact on defense readiness in the region. They are committed to consistently enforcing discipline, promoting a culture of compliance, and ensuring the purity of the forces.