TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A Taiwanese woman on a working holiday visa was arrested in Australia on Friday (June 14), after police in the state of Victoria shared a wanted poster online several days earlier.
The woman, identified as Hung (洪) Tsai-wei from Chiayi, is reportedly charged with crimes of arson, intimidation, and making violent threats to others. Prior to her arrest this week for the crime of arson, Hong was the subject of nine criminal complaints in Australia, per CNA.
According to reports, Hung frequently had disputes with her landlords and roommates in Melbourne, and in the nearby city of Casey. Police issued the warrant after Hung was determined to be the main suspect in an arson case involving the destruction of several cars parked in a residential area.
According to accounts of people who lived or worked with Hung in Australia, she was often involved in violent disputes over money. Storm Media reports that prior to setting fire to her former landlord’s house and car, she was already being sought by police for failing to report to court for other crimes.
In response to the news, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) reminded Taiwanese traveling or working abroad that they must respect local laws and regulations. MOFA called on all Taiwanese citizens involved in the case to assist local authorities in their investigation, per CNA.