Taipei, Taiwan — September 27, 2025 — A 20-year-old Malaysian man identified as Lin was arrested in Taipei after police discovered him withdrawing cash with multiple suspicious ATM cards during the early morning hours. Authorities seized six ATM cards of unknown origin, a mobile phone, and NT$7,700 in cash as evidence.
The incident occurred when officers Jiang Zhengen and Wu Yunzhen of the Yanping Police Station, Datong Branch, were on late-night patrol near a convenience store on Chongqing North Road, Section 2. They noticed Lin acting nervously while repeatedly operating an ATM and decided to investigate.
Police found that Lin had only arrived in Taiwan two days earlier as a tourist but was already carrying several Taiwanese ATM cards. After questioning, he was transferred to the Shilin District Prosecutor’s Office on suspicion of fraud and violating the Money Laundering Control Act.
Investigators are now analyzing data from Lin’s seized cellphone to trace possible links to a larger fraud ring. Authorities suspect that organized groups are recruiting foreign nationals to handle illegal cash withdrawals in an attempt to avoid detection.
The Taipei City Police Department has urged the public to remain cautious and avoid lending bank accounts, ATM cards, or personal financial information to others, as doing so may lead to criminal liability. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activity by calling the 165 anti-fraud hotline or dialing 110 for immediate assistance.
