Shengshi Gold Industry fraud sparks probe of Taiwanese lawmakers and police ties

Taiwanese authorities have charged 38 people, including mastermind Qiu Dingcheng, in connection with the Shengshi Gold Industry fraud that allegedly raised more than NT$180 billion from over 500 victims. The case has expanded beyond financial crimes to allegations of political and police collusion.

Taiwan People's Party chair Wang Wan‑ru demanded that legislators explain their involvement, naming KMT lawmaker Lin Si‑ming and DPP lawmaker Hsu Fu‑kui for arranging "special prison visits" that allowed the fraud leader to remotely direct the group from jail. Lin’s office director Lee Yong‑cheng, also a union leader, is accused of facilitating these meetings and of using donations such as a police car to build ties with senior police officials.

The police administration has confirmed that a senior police chief maintained a LINE group with Shengshi executives and that a donated police vehicle was later seized as it was suspected to have been purchased with victims’ funds. The National Police Agency pledged a thorough investigation and said any illegal or disciplinary violations would be prosecuted.