A 13-year-old boy from Wanhua District, Taipei, who went missing in June, was recently found living with a 35-year-old man he had met online, authorities confirmed. The boy had been staying at the man’s home in central Taiwan for approximately six months, sparking serious concern from his family.
According to ETtoday News, the teen and the man, identified as Mr. C, connected through a social networking app and developed a close relationship. Their interactions reportedly included frequent meetings and financial exchanges, with some family members even meeting C and aware of his presence.
The boy’s family reported him missing to the police in June after losing contact, prompting an investigation. Police eventually located both the teen and C at the man’s residence in central Taiwan and brought them back to Taipei for questioning.
Following the investigation, C has been charged under Taiwan’s Child and Youth Sexual Exploitation Prevention Act, as well as for offenses related to luring a minor, and has been referred to the district prosecutor’s office for further action.
Authorities continue to stress the dangers of online interactions between minors and adults, urging parents to monitor their children’s online activity closely.
