Taiwanese authorities dismantle religious human trafficking ring

Taiwanese authorities have dismantled a human trafficking ring that used religious deception to exploit Vietnamese nationals. A female suspect, surnamed Ruan, allegedly claimed to be a ‘reincarnated living Buddha’ with prophetic powers to manipulate followers into selling their assets and moving to Taiwan.

Under the guise of religious practice, Ruan and her accomplices coerced Vietnamese women and their minor children to enter Taiwan on tourist visas. Once there, the victims were subjected to forced labor in farms and restaurants, performing tasks such as harvesting crops and cleaning. The group reportedly confiscated passports and restricted the victims' freedom of movement and communication.

Following reports from Vietnamese fathers in February, a multi-agency task force involving the National Immigration Agency and local police conducted searches across several regions, including Changhua, Miaoli, and New Taipei. The operation successfully rescued four Vietnamese children. Eight individuals, including Ruan, four accomplices, and three Vietnamese mothers, have been prosecuted for violations of the Human Trafficking Prevention Act and the Criminal Code.