Police escort a group of people wanted for suspected fraud in China after they were deported from Kenya. (Photo : Reuters)
Malaysia deported 32 Taiwanese nationals suspected of wire fraud to China, pushing Taiwan to call for a more comprehensive communication between the mainland and the island in resolving crime.
The Associated Press reported that the Malaysian government sent more than 30 Taiwanese suspects to mainland China after they were found to be linked to the massive telecom scam that victimized Chinese citizens.
According to AP, the case is the most recent addition to the long-standing conflict between the mainland and its wayward province, following similar cases in the past including one where Kenya sent four dozens of alleged Taiwanese fraudsters to the mainland.
In the past, China had criticized Taiwan for not bringing the fraud suspects to justice after Taipei released 12 prisoners due to lack of substantial evidence.
Because of this, Taiwan's Premier-designate Lin Chuan called for better communication between the island and the mainland in order to bring the massive telecom fraud gang to justice.
"A mechanism of full communication and cooperation between Taiwan and China is needed to address challenges regarding telecom fraud schemes involving suspects and victims from both sides," explained Lin as cited by Focus Taiwan.
According to the report, the incoming administration under the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) Tsai Ing-wen wants to convene with Chinese authorities about the issue on the deportation of the suspects by a third-party country.
Meanwhile, Cabinet spokesman Sun Lih-chyun reacted more positively on how Beijing is handling the dispute, particularly after China invited a delegation from the island to participate in talks about the Taiwanese nationals detained in the mainland.
Talking to China Post, Sun said that the invitation not only meets the cross-Taiwan Strait agreement but is also a welcome improvement at their requested mutual legal assistance.
The Taiwanese delegation is set to travel to Beijing in a week, bringing with them a joint investigation plan from district prosecutors' offices in Taoyuan and Taichung that are in charge of the telecom scam case.
