A high-profile legal scandal in Taiwan has taken a dramatic turn as well-known lawyer and influencer Li Yi-ting, also nicknamed “Santa Lawyer,” has been indicted for allegedly helping a major fraud syndicate launder money and dispose of illicit assets. Prosecutors in Taipei have charged her, along with two other lawyers, with offences including money laundering and leaking confidential investigation details. Each now faces a possible prison sentence of up to one year.
The case centres on a columbarium investment scam that ran from 2022, led by ringleader Wu Fang-yi and her partner. Victims were persuaded to mortgage their homes or purchase “pre-need” funeral products, under the false promise that columbarium spaces would appreciate in value. Authorities estimate that at least 10 individuals were defrauded, with total losses exceeding NT$160 million (about S$6.7 million).
When Wu was arrested in April, police sought to freeze her assets, including a luxury BMW X6. However, investigators discovered that the vehicle had been transferred after Wu was taken into custody. This raised suspicions that lawyers acting on her behalf had helped to conceal or sell assets to obstruct investigations.
Lawyers accused of aiding syndicate
According to prosecutors, Li Yi-ting, who had stepped in to represent Wu temporarily, allegedly passed on instructions from Wu to other syndicate members to sell gold jewellery and the BMW. She is also accused of coaching them on how to respond if questioned by police about the disposal of these assets.
Two other lawyers, Zhao Hao-cheng and Cai Yuan-yu, were allegedly involved in leaking confidential details from the investigation to the fraud group. All three were arrested in June and released on bail, with restrictions on their travel.
In an Instagram post following her release, Li insisted she had no prior connection with the syndicate and had never been part of their network. However, she admitted that her handling of the case had “flaws” and said she would face the legal consequences.
Crackdown on fraud in Taiwan
The indictment of the three lawyers highlights Taiwan’s ongoing struggle with large-scale fraud syndicates, particularly those exploiting vulnerable groups through investment scams. Data from Taiwan’s National Police Agency shows that fraud remains one of the most prevalent crimes, with billions of dollars lost each year.
Authorities are warning the public to be cautious of “too-good-to-be-true” investment schemes and to verify financial offers with regulators before committing funds. Legal experts also note that this case serves as a reminder that professional misconduct by lawyers can have serious consequences, both for the justice system and for public trust.
The trial is expected to draw significant public attention, given Li’s status as both a lawyer and a social media personality. If convicted, she and her colleagues could face not just jail terms but also professional disbarment.