TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A scalper ring made over NT$20 million (US$678,000) by forging IDs and reselling tickets for G-Dragon’s Taipei concerts, leading to the arrest of four suspects, police said Tuesday.
The Criminal Investigation Bureau said the South Korean rapper held concerts at Taipei Arena from July 11-13, per CNA. During online patrols, police discovered tickets being sold in Facebook groups with promises of bypassing the real-name entry system.
Scalpers charged exorbitant prices, with some VVIP tickets originally priced at NT$8,980 going for at least NT$50,000. A task force was formed with Taipei and Taichung police under the direction of the Taipei District Prosecutors Office to investigate the case.
Following the digital trail, investigators identified the main suspect as a 42-year-old man surnamed Liu (柳), who previously worked in private investigation but has been scalping tickets full-time for the past three years. He collaborated with a breakfast shop owner surnamed Chan (詹), a security guard surnamed Chiang (江), and an engineer surnamed Chen (陳).
The group acquired ticket redemption codes from a Hong Kong-based scalping network and sold them online at six to 12 times the original price. They also used an ID number generator to forge identity documents.
Fan-provided ID photos were edited to create fake IDs for ticket purchases. Transactions were carried out at a luxury hotel near Taipei Arena where buyers received assistance with ticket redemption and real-name verification.
Authorities estimate the group obtained around 3,000 redemption codes, selling about 1,500 for G-Dragon’s concert alone, making over NT$20 million in illegal profits. They also had around 500 codes for Blackpink’s upcoming show and tickets for other artists, including Stefanie Sun (孫燕姿).
On July 15, the task force conducted raids in Taichung and Hsinchu, apprehending Liu and three accomplices. Police also seized 1,500 ticket redemption codes, 44 physical concert tickets, G-Dragon and South Korean singer Taeyeon fan merchandise, tools for forging IDs, and cash.
After questioning, the four suspects and several fans were referred to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office for breaking the Development of Cultural and Creative Industries Act and the Household Registration Act. The CIB reminded the public that reselling cultural event tickets above face value is punishable by fines of 10 to 50 times the ticket price.
Using forged IDs to pass real-name checks also constitutes a criminal offense. Offenders may face up to five years in prison, detention and/or fines of up to NT$500,000.
