New Taipei City, Taiwan (April 28, 2026) — A Vietnamese runaway migrant worker previously wanted for kidnapping and extortion was arrested late at night in New Taipei City after attempting to flee from police during a routine inspection triggered by a traffic violation.
Authorities identified the suspect as a 35-year-old Vietnamese national surnamed Doan, who had earlier evaded imprisonment despite being convicted in a serious criminal case. He was apprehended while inside a vehicle driven by a fellow Vietnamese migrant worker, a 31-year-old man surnamed Hsieh.
Attempted Escape Foiled
According to the New Taipei City Police Department, the incident occurred along Zhongyang Road in Xindian District. The driver had illegally parked in a red zone before stepping out to purchase items, leaving Doan alone in the back seat.
Patrolling officers from Jiangling Police Station noticed the violation and approached the vehicle for inspection. Upon seeing the officers, Doan allegedly attempted to escape but was quickly subdued. One officer reportedly blocked the car door with his body to prevent the suspect from fleeing before successfully restraining him.
Drugs Discovered in Vehicle
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of illegal substances, including:
- Three packets of methamphetamine weighing approximately 26.15 grams
- Four packets of “drug coffee” weighing around 8.41 grams
Both men were immediately taken into custody for further investigation.
Multiple Warrants and Past Crimes
Further checks revealed that Doan had three outstanding arrest warrants issued by authorities in Taoyuan and Yunlin. These included charges related to kidnapping for ransom and public endangerment.
Police reports indicate that about five years ago, Doan was involved in a violent extortion case targeting a fellow Vietnamese worker in Taiwan. He allegedly lent money at high interest before orchestrating the abduction of the debtor with the help of five accomplices. The victim was taken from Taoyuan to a mountainous area in Miaoli, where he was beaten and held captive.
The suspects then demanded a ransom of 1.5 billion Vietnamese dong (approximately NT$1.8 million) from the victim’s wife. Authorities later arrested those involved, and Doan was sentenced to four years in prison. However, he failed to serve his sentence and was subsequently listed as a wanted fugitive.
Legal Proceedings
Following the arrest, Doan was transferred to the Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office to face his pending charges. Meanwhile, Hsieh was charged under Taiwan’s Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act and referred to prosecutors in Taipei for further legal action.
Authorities emphasized their continued efforts to track down fugitives and combat drug-related crimes, particularly those involving foreign nationals working illegally in Taiwan.