Partner of NT$500M boy on trial for fake marriage charges

TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — Court proceedings began Monday (Aug. 7) for the case of a high-school boy who plunged to his death, leaving behind NT＄500 million. 

The boy's partner, surnamed Hsia, pleaded not guilty and argued that the deceased, surnamed Lai, was heavily pressured by his family and sought a dependable male presence in his life.

Hsia initially faced no charges over the teenager's death due to insufficient evidence of murder. However, he is now on trial for fraudulent documentation related to a fake marriage.

The couple allegedly met through financial matters in January because the boy's father transferred massive properties to him, leaving him in emotional distress.

Hsia stated that he intended to discuss important issues with Lai on the day the incident in early May, but the latter allegedly jumped to his death. Hsia insisted that he did not anticipate Lai's suicide and did not have time to explain the marriage situation to their family.

After the Taichung Branch of the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office reviewed the case, it returned it to the Taichung District Prosecutors Office for further investigation.