A 62-year-old construction subcontractor in Taiwan was allegedly abducted and held captive for five days over an unpaid construction debt amounting to NT$200,000 (around S$8,300). The man was rescued by police on 24 June after his daughter reported him missing when he failed to return home.

The incident first came to light when officers from the Taipei City Datong Police Division received a case transfer from New Taipei City Police at around 2am on 24 June 2025. Investigations revealed that the man had been forcibly taken from his workplace in New Taipei’s Shulin district on 20 June.

According to the police, the victim’s daughter had initially attempted to negotiate with the suspects, believing her father was still in talks over the repayment. However, after three days of no contact, she realised something was wrong and immediately filed a police report.

Failed Negotiation at MRT Exit Leads to Prolonged Captivity

The victim, surnamed Zhang, worked as a subcontractor for a local engineering firm. He reportedly owed about S$8,300 to another construction company, which allegedly dispatched three individuals to recover the debt. The suspects—two men aged 35 and 52, and a 34-year-old woman—were accused of forcing Zhang into a vehicle and detaining him.

On 21 June, Zhang managed to arrange a meeting with his daughter at Exit 6 of Zhongshan MRT station in Taipei to discuss repayment. Unfortunately, negotiations broke down and he was taken away again by the same group. His daughter, thinking he was still in talks, did not suspect foul play until her father failed to return home for several days.

Police sprang into action once they confirmed Zhang’s location in Shulin and launched a successful hostage rescue operation on 24 June. The victim was safely recovered from captivity without reported injuries.

Drugs Seized in Raid, Suspects Face Multiple Charges

In addition to freeing the hostage, the police uncovered illegal substances during the raid. Among the seized items were three vape cartridges containing etomidate, a Class 2 controlled drug, along with two bottles of vape liquid and six mobile phones.

The trio now faces serious charges, including unlawful confinement and drug-related offences under Taiwan’s Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act. The case has been transferred to the Shilin District Prosecutor’s Office for further investigation and prosecution.

This case underscores the dangers of settling debts through illegal means. Authorities are reminding the public and businesses alike to seek resolution through proper legal avenues. Vigilant enforcement and swift police action are crucial in maintaining public safety, especially in cases involving criminal intimidation, illegal detention, and drug offences.