Taichung, Taiwan — December 5, 2025
A 60-year-old woman in Taichung City fell victim to an elaborate online dating scam, losing NT$27.75 million over several months through a combination of money transfers, in-person meetings, and cryptocurrency trading. Authorities say the scam involved multiple perpetrators, including money mules and cryptocurrency dealers.
During a nationwide investigation, Taichung police arrested five individuals linked to the scheme and confiscated 30,000 Tether coins, four Bitcoin ATMs, and two vehicles.
The victim initially connected with a man online who claimed to be a UN field doctor stationed in Yemen. He told her that he needed assistance receiving an important package but faced several customs-related obstacles requiring payments. She sent money multiple times, after which contact with the man was lost.
Later, while searching for ways to recover her funds online, the victim was approached by another person claiming to have connections with Interpol and the ability to help track down the fraudsters. This individual requested payments via cryptocurrency. Over several months, she transferred money twelve times and purchased cryptocurrency seventy-one times, ultimately losing more than NT$20 million before realizing she had been deceived.
Authorities explained that Bitcoin ATMs (BTMs) are devices that allow users to buy or sell cryptocurrencies directly. Unlike traditional ATMs, BTMs connect users to cryptocurrency exchanges rather than banks. While they offer easy access, fast transactions, and a degree of anonymity, BTMs are increasingly being exploited for money laundering and fraud.
Police continue to investigate the network behind the scam and urge the public to remain vigilant when engaging in online relationships or cryptocurrency transactions.