October 30, 2025 | Hsinchu County, Taiwan
Taiwan police have solved what is believed to be the country’s first-ever Shopee shoplifting case, following a string of unusual thefts that occurred in Hukou and Xinfeng, Hsinchu County, in August. Authorities have arrested two male suspects linked to the series of crimes involving the dismantling and theft of Shopee self-checkout machines.
According to the Xinhu Police Precinct, officers received multiple theft complaints in August involving stolen cars, motorcycles, and equipment. The theft of Shopee’s self-checkout machines stood out due to its distinctive method. Police Chief Huang Zhenglong immediately ordered the creation of a special investigation task force to pursue the culprits.
After examining surveillance footage from nearby locations, investigators discovered that the same group was responsible for multiple thefts. The suspects—identified as Ma (49 years old) and Ou (44 years old)—used a stolen pickup truck and professional tools to disassemble the Shopee checkout machines, load them onto the truck, and later dump them in the bushes near Xinfeng Beach in an effort to destroy evidence.
Despite frequent changes of stolen vehicles to avoid detection, investigators meticulously tracked security camera footage and cross-referenced movement patterns, which eventually led to the identification and arrest of the suspects. Both men had prior theft records.
Upon arrest, police confiscated lock-picking tools, drug paraphernalia, and heroin needles from the suspects. Shopee reported financial losses of around NT$300,000, which included about NT$30,000 in cash and equipment damages worth over NT$130,000 per cash register.
The task force also uncovered that Ma and Ou were involved in stealing three vehicles and carrying out two additional shoplifting robberies during the same period. The Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office is now handling the case, with the suspects facing charges of aggravated theft and drug-related offenses.
Police urged businesses to enhance store surveillance and security systems, especially for automated self-checkout counters, as similar crimes may emerge given the increasing reliance on unmanned retail setups.