HSINCHU, July 9 — Ye Zhanhao, the operator of a fitness center in Zhubei City, Hsinchu County, is now a wanted man after fleeing the country despite facing prosecution for serious child abuse charges. Authorities revealed that two individuals — an employee surnamed Wang and Ye’s former girlfriend surnamed Yang — played key roles in aiding his escape. Both are now facing criminal charges, including harboring a fugitive and, in Wang’s case, document forgery.
Ye was indicted in February and released on NT$3 million bail under strict conditions. He was ordered to remain at his Zhubei residence and report to the police station twice daily, at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. However, instead of standing trial, Ye vanished, prompting a criminal investigation.
According to prosecutors, Wang and Yang were fully aware of Ye’s legal status and bail restrictions. Despite this, they allegedly collaborated to plan and execute his escape. On March 28, the day Ye was scheduled to appear in court, he drove to Yang’s home to pick her up along with her luggage. He then returned to his own residence for his belongings. Later that morning, they met Wang at his Hsinchu City residence.
Wang reportedly drove the pair to Taoyuan International Airport, where they arrived at 6:18 a.m. Surveillance footage and witness accounts confirmed that Wang and Yang said their farewells outside the terminal, with Wang telling Ye “Take care, brother” — a strong indication that the escape had been premeditated.
Ye and Yang cleared customs together and departed Taiwan on a Starlux Airlines flight at 7:56 a.m. Yang later returned from Thailand on April 5, and was picked up by Wang. However, Ye remains at large.
The court issued a warrant for Ye’s arrest on April 1, after he failed to appear for trial on March 28 and could not be located. Investigators later uncovered further wrongdoing: following Ye’s departure, Wang used a seal left in his care by Ye to forge ownership documents and transfer Ye’s car at the Hsinchu Motor Vehicle Office, compromising the accuracy of official vehicle registration records.
As a result of the investigation, the Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office has charged Wang and Yang with harboring a criminal and obstructing justice. Wang faces additional charges including forgery of private documents and inducing a public official to file false records.
In a statement, the Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office reiterated its commitment to upholding justice in cases involving harm to children. “Those who assist defendants in evading justice will be pursued with equal determination,” the office declared. “Ye’s escape is a direct affront to the integrity of our legal system.”
Authorities are urging the public to provide any information about Ye Zhanhao’s current location. “We call on the suspect to return and face trial. The judicial process must not be undermined,” the prosecutors emphasized.
