A Taiwanese AI-powered romance scam syndicate allegedly made at least NT$900 million (about RM120 million) by tricking more than 20,000 victims — while employees who failed to meet targets were reportedly subjected to brutal and humiliating punishments.
The case centres on alleged mastermind Huang Jianhao, 47, and his 32-year-old wife, Hsu Hsiang-chi, who prosecutors said established the “fake romance, real fraud” operation in 2022.
The syndicate allegedly used a biotechnology company as a front while developing AI voice-changing technology that could imitate female voices. Male employees and older women could allegedly use the system to sound like attractive female operators when communicating with wealthy male victims.
The group also reportedly developed an “AI Assistant” to manage dates and an ERP-style performance management system to track employees and their results.
According to investigators, the operation was divided into different teams responsible for sourcing potential victims, approaching new targets, developing relationships and maintaining contact with returning victims.
But behind the sophisticated technology was an alleged culture of extreme punishment.
Employees who performed poorly were reportedly subjected to electric shocks to their ears and noses using electric mosquito swatters. Some were allegedly forced into degrading sexual acts, including licking another employee’s private parts or using bodily fluids to rinse their mouths.
Prosecutors have charged 57 people in connection with the case and recommended prison sentences of up to 25 years for Huang and 18 years for Hsu.
After the case was transferred to the Taipei District Court, six key members appeared in court and pleaded for bail, reportedly citing their children and elderly family members.
Huang and Hsu also asked to be released, saying they missed their young children and that their children needed their parents.
The court, however, ordered Huang to remain in detention without visitation for another three months, citing his alleged role as the mastermind, the scale of his profits and concerns that he could collude with others or destroy evidence.
Another senior member, identified as Chou Chiao-ting, was also ordered to remain detained.
Hsu was granted bail of NT$2 million (about RM270,000), with restrictions on her residence and travel. Three other executives were released on bail ranging from NT$200,000 to NT$500,000.
Hsu’s lavish lifestyle has also come under scrutiny following the investigation. Photos on her social media reportedly showed her travelling in a Porsche convertible, wearing luxury brands including Chanel and Dior, and travelling in business class.
She had also posted messages including “A princess is not afraid of losing” and about living life like a dream.
Prosecutors allege the syndicate operated for about five years and generated at least NT$900 million in illegal proceeds. The investigation has exposed not only the scale of the alleged romance scam, but also the harsh methods reportedly used to control the people running it.
