A glamorous influencer with 37,000 Instagram followers has been sentenced to 42 years and six months in prison after being convicted of multiple offences linked to an overseas scam syndicate operating in Taiwan.
The woman, identified by her surname Lee, was known for posting photos of luxury fashion, designer jewellery and overseas holidays, portraying an affluent lifestyle on social media.
However, police arrested her at a luxury home in Taichung four years ago after investigators linked her to a scam operation that allegedly used online shopping and instalment credit card transactions to defraud victims. The syndicate reportedly handled up to NT$10 million in fraudulent funds each month, with around 65 victims.
Lee denied being the mastermind and claimed she had no knowledge of the operation. However, her boyfriend, a high school friend and other accomplices reportedly testified that she was the person directing the operation.
According to the investigation, Lee’s boyfriend initially joined the overseas scam syndicate and was responsible for coordinating couriers in Taiwan. Lee allegedly used her Instagram account to recruit new members and took part in interviews.
After her boyfriend was imprisoned, Lee allegedly took over the syndicate’s operations in Taiwan and became one of its key figures.
When her boyfriend was arrested, police reportedly found only NT$300 on him. In contrast, investigators found NT$3 million in cash inside a safe at Lee’s luxury home.
Lee reportedly said that although she and her boyfriend had already separated, he continued giving her proceeds from the scams. He also allegedly purchased a Maserati and registered it in her name.
The High Court rejected Lee’s appeal and upheld the combined sentence of 42 years and six months. The ruling effectively brought down the glamorous image she had built on social media.
