Taichung, September 2025 — A high-profile theft in Dali District, Taichung, in August shocked local residents after a safe containing at least NT$12.54 million in cash and valuables was stolen from a wealthy household. Two days later, police arrested the suspects in Tainan and recovered NT$12.05 million in cash, jewelry, and other valuables.
According to the Taichung District Prosecutor’s Office, the theft was orchestrated by two men surnamed Yang (44) and Luo (44). Yang, who previously worked as a cleaner in the victim’s household, allegedly used his knowledge of the residence to plan the crime, enlisting Luo as an accomplice.
Investigators reported that the burglary took place on the night of August 2. Around 1 a.m. on August 3, Yang was driven to the vicinity of the factory owner’s home by Luo. Using his familiarity with the property, Yang broke into the house, hid on the fourth floor until the family left, and then accessed the master bedroom to move the safe—containing cash, jewelry, gold, land deeds, and checks—to the basement. Luo later joined him, and the two loaded the safe into the homeowner’s car before switching vehicles and fleeing separately.
The suspects regrouped on a small road near the East Caotun ramp on National Highway 6, where they planned to open the safe. Using cutting machines, drills, and hammers, the pair destroyed the safe in a motel room in Xihu Township, Changhua County. Yang reportedly took approximately NT$10 million in cash and valuables, while Luo took NT$2 million.
Authorities tracked the suspects after discovering part of the stolen property, including a damaged safe, NT$81,000 in cash, and diamond jewelry, in Yang’s truck in Caotun on August 5. Later that evening, both men were arrested in Guiren District, Tainan City. Police recovered NT$10,562,300 in cash, commemorative coins, and jewelry from Yang, and NT$1,498,800 in cash from Luo.
Both men confessed to the crime. The Taichung District Prosecutor’s Office has formally charged them with aggravated theft, seeking a prison sentence of at least 3 years and 10 months. The Taichung District Court has ruled to continue their detention pending trial.
The case serves as a warning against insider crimes, particularly for household staff with access to sensitive financial assets.
