While the criminal investigation into the money laundering, online fraud and online gambling network of Prince Group led by Chen Zhi, 39 years old, is expanding in Taiwan (China), the image of Luu Thuan Vi (Liu Chunwei) - secretary of Ly Thien (Li Tian), CFO and assistant, right-hand man of Chen Zhi - smiling brightly when leaving the prosecution headquarters has become the focus of controversy.
According to Taiwan and China news agency (CNA) on November 7, prosecutors arrested a series of subjects related to Prince Group's activities in Taiwan (China) on November 4. Some people were later released on bail, including Luu Thuan Vi - who was guaranteed a stack of only about 480 USD.
When leaving the prosecution office, the image recorded by the Trung Thien Thai (CTI) page showed Liu Thuan Vi wearing a loose shirt, looking comfortable, walking gently and smiling brightly, despite serious accusations related to a transnational criminal network.
Immediately after the video went viral, public opinion in Taiwan (China) exploded with outrage. Netizens left thousands of critical comments:
How many families have been destroyed, but she can still laugh?.
The fine for the crime is up to more than 4.5 billion yuan ($145 million), but the guarantee is only $480, its funny!
A Taiwanese financial expert commented: All of these organizations have sophisticated complications in illegal activities. Although the court may consider the role of a secretary as secondary, placing a lower guarantee level than the case of desertion is an extremely negative social signal.
Prince Group, headed by Chen Zhi, a Cambodian businessman, was listed as a " transnational criminal organization" by the US Treasury Department on October 14. Along with that, 146 individuals and entities involved were sanctioned for online fraud, money laundering and human trafficking.
The UK government also imposed freezing the assets of Chen Zhi and related companies, including: A $15.7 million villa in London; a $131 million office high-rise and 17 luxury apartments were confiscated.
In Taipei, the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has opened a large-scale investigation into the lining companies set up by Prince Group on the island, including Tianshi, which is headquartered on the 15th and 49th floors of Taipei 101 - a financial symbol of Taiwan (China).
The authorities searched 12 companies and 11 high-end properties, arrested 25 suspects, and issued a wanted notice for 5 key figures, including Vuong Di Dang (Wang Yitang).
The seized exhibits included 26 luxury cars (Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche), more than 60 bank accounts, and a total of 4.52 billion yuan (about 145 million USD).
The investigation agency said that after the US announced the sanctions, the suspects tried to transfer vehicle ownership and disperse assets overnight, but all efforts were stopped in time.
