August 22, 2025 – HSINCHU, Taiwan – The Hsinchu District Court has ordered the detention of nine individuals, including four minors, following the death of a 17-year-old boy who was allegedly beaten to death over an unpaid car repair debt.
Authorities said the incident began with a dispute over NT$25,000 (approximately US$818) that the victim, identified by his surname Tseng (曾), reportedly owed to a man surnamed Hsieh (謝). Investigators said Hsieh, along with eight others, allegedly abducted Tseng from Zhudong Township on August 17 and transported him to Jianshih Township, where the fatal assault took place.
On Thursday, the Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office sought the detention of five adult suspects, including Hsieh, citing risks of evidence tampering and possible collusion. Meanwhile, the court’s juvenile division placed the four minors in detention facilities under the Juvenile Justice Act.
Tseng’s body was later discovered in a remote mountain area in Yilan County’s Toucheng Township, according to prosecutors. All suspects have been arrested and are facing charges that include kidnapping for ransom resulting in death.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as they piece together the events leading to the teenager’s killing.
