A disturbing criminal case from Taiwan has drawn public attention after a man was sentenced to more than seven years in prison for abusing a fellow participant during a religious retreat at a well-known monastery in Nantou. While the setting was meant to promote reflection and self-discipline, the court heard that trust within the retreat environment was exploited in a deeply troubling way.
The accused, a man identified by his surname Lee, attended a meditation retreat in late 2024 alongside other trainees. Investigators said Lee became fixated on another participant from the same group and took advantage of shared living arrangements during the programme. What initially appeared to be a routine retreat later unravelled into a criminal investigation that shocked many followers of the religious community.
According to court findings, Lee secretly mixed strong “sleepy pills” into the victim’s drinks over several days. These pills caused the victim to black out, leaving him defenceless. Prosecutors said Lee then crossed serious boundaries, carrying out acts that violated the victim’s personal space and dignity while the victim was unconscious.
WITHIN A SPIRITUAL SETTING
Judges emphasised that the case was especially serious because it involved a betrayal of trust in a place where participants are expected to feel safe. The court noted that Lee allegedly repeated his actions multiple times within a short period, showing clear planning rather than a one-off lapse in judgement.
During the investigation, authorities also found that Lee had used his mobile phone to record the incidents. These recordings were later stored on other devices, including a computer and external drives. The court described this behaviour as calculated and harmful, compounding the emotional damage suffered by the victim.
Lee admitted to his actions when questioned and explained that the pills came from medication he had been prescribed for sleep issues. However, the court rejected any attempt to downplay the seriousness of the offence, stating that using medication to incapacitate someone and then violating their boundaries was a grave crime.
COURT REJECTS LENIENCY, ORDERS DEVICE CONFISCATION
The Nantou District Court convicted Lee on multiple charges related to coercion. He was sentenced to a total of seven years and four months in prison. His lawyer requested a lighter sentence, arguing that Lee had cooperated with investigators, but judges firmly dismissed the request.
In its ruling, the court ordered the confiscation of all devices used in the offences, including a smartphone, computer and storage drives. Judges explained that even if files were deleted, modern technology could recover them, posing a risk of further harm to the victim.
The case has sparked wider discussion online about safety at religious retreats and meditation camps. Many commentators have called for stricter supervision, clearer rules and better reporting channels to ensure participants are protected, especially in environments built on trust and vulnerability.
For observers in Singapore and across the region, the incident serves as a sobering reminder that such action can occur in any setting, even those associated with spirituality and self-improvement. Authorities continue to urge victims to come forward, stressing that no one has the right to misuse trust, slip “funny juice” into drinks, or cross boundaries — no matter where they are.