Taichung, Taiwan — September 13, 2025 — A Taichung District Court has sentenced a local SPA owner, identified only as A Wei (pseudonym), to 10 months in prison for indecent assault after abusing his authority over a trainee aromatherapist.
According to the verdict, Xiao Ru (pseudonym) enrolled in an aromatherapy training program in March 2023, hoping to earn income before studying abroad. On April 12, 2023, A Wei told her that a “practical assessment” was required to qualify as a professional masseuse. Under this pretense, he asked her to perform a massage in a private room of the SPA.
During the session, A Wei experienced arousal and demanded that Xiao Ru perform indecent acts. Despite her discomfort, he allegedly pulled her hand toward his groin multiple times, claiming it was part of the test. Feeling distressed, Xiao Ru later confided in a friend and eventually reported the incident to the police.
In court, A Wei denied the accusations, insisting that Xiao Ru only provided standard massage services and that he never coerced her into any sexual activity. He further claimed that he voluntarily gave her money after the massage.
However, the judge found Xiao Ru’s testimony consistent and credible, ruling that A Wei had taken advantage of his position of authority, leaving the victim with physical and psychological trauma. The court condemned his actions as abusive and harmful, stressing his lack of remorse and attempts to deflect responsibility.
A Wei was sentenced to 10 months in prison for indecent assault by abuse of power. The ruling is subject to appeal.
