TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Seven Taiwanese nationals have been arrested in South Korea since January on fraud-related charges, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部) confirmed Tuesday (Feb. 3). Spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉) warned citizens against abusing visa-free entry privileges for illegal activities, including scam operations. An additional arrest involved a Taiwanese individual photographing military facilities in South Korea. Authorities are increasingly concerned about nationals exploiting visa-free travel to engage in criminal enterprises abroad.
Hsiao revealed that some Taiwanese have been arrested, sentenced, or fallen under control of fraud syndicates operating across Southeast Asia. Some victims have endured forced labor and contacted Taiwan's overseas diplomatic missions for assistance. In Thailand, authorities have tightened entry screening after discovering individuals using visa-free access to illegally cross into Myanmar and Cambodia for criminal employment.
The spokesperson urged Taiwanese citizens to reject online advertisements promising lucrative overseas employment opportunities, which often serve as recruitment tools for fraud syndicates. Hsiao stressed the importance of verifying job offers through official channels before traveling abroad to avoid exploitation. He warned that participating in illegal activities overseas could result in imprisonment, loss of freedom, physical danger, and significant financial losses.
Hsiao reminded travelers that foreign governments retain full authority over entry decisions under their national sovereignty. He urged Taiwanese to truthfully declare their travel purposes and comply with local laws at all times. In South Korea, detained Taiwanese nationals face charges including drug trafficking and unauthorized photography of military installations, according to MOFA. ◼