TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — An extra in the 2015 Taiwanese gangster movie “Gatao” saw his final appeal of an 18-year prison sentence rejected.
Lee Chen-hao (李振豪), a member of the Bamboo Union gang, led a human trafficking ring that lured 88 Taiwanese to Cambodia for fraudulent activities. In both the first and second trials, Lee was sentenced to 18 years in prison for breaking the Human Trafficking Prevention Act (人口販運防制法), among other charges.
In recent days, the Supreme Court dismissed his appeal, making the verdict final, reported CNA on Friday (Nov. 8). In addition, eight other defendants involved in the case received final prison sentences ranging from nine to 16 years and six months.
In November 2021, Lee along with his Taiwanese accomplices and associates in Cambodia, formed a human trafficking and fraud ring. They promised high-paying jobs and debt repayment assistance but sold them to Cambodian traffickers.
Once the victims arrived in Cambodia, their passports were seized by the criminal organization, and they were forced into fraudulent work. If they wanted to return to Taiwan, they had to pay a ransom and their freedom was restricted.
In 2022, police and prosecutors launched two waves of raids, identifying 88 victims. The Taipei District Prosecutors Office indicted Lee and his group members in two waves.
At Taipei District Court in the first trial, Lee and his accomplices partially confessed to the crimes but also denied some charges.
In the first trial, Lee was sentenced to 18 years in prison on charges of profit-driven fraud, human trafficking, and participation in a criminal organization. The other eight defendants received sentences ranging from 11 to 16 years and six months, based on their level of involvement.
The case was appealed to the Taiwan High Court. During the second trial, some defendants changed their pleas to guilty, leading to partial sentence revisions, while others were upheld.
Lee's 18-year sentence was upheld, and the other eight defendants were sentenced to prison terms ranging from nine to 16 years and six months.
After another appeal, the Supreme Court upheld the second trial’s judgment, deeming the sentencing appropriate. It dismissed the appeal, making the verdict final.
In addition, Lee faces another 18-year sentence in a separate human trafficking case, which is still under appeal at the High Court.