BENTONG: A 31-year-old influencer, who failed to return to Malaysia after travelling abroad on Dec 11, is currently being detained at Changhua prison in Taiwan on suspicion of being involved in fraud activities.
Hu Chang Mun, fondly known as Ady Hu, was allegedly tricked into going to Taiwan with promises that he will earn money while travelling, with his accommodation and meals all taken care of.
Bilut assemblyman Lee Chin Chen said Hu's family had reached out to his service centre here on Dec 18 claiming that they have been unable to reach him and were desperate for any information about his whereabouts.
"His mother lodged a report at the Bentong police headquarters on Dec 16 claiming she could not contact Hu and was informed that he had joined several friends to travel to Vietnam before going to Taiwan on Dec 11.
"I contacted the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia for assistance and they confirmed that Hu was remanded at Changhua prison for allegedly being involved in a fraud case.
"The case is still being investigated by the Taiwanese authorities, so I urge the public not to jump to any conclusion.
"I was informed by Hu's elder brother who travelled to Taiwan earlier today that he had managed to meet Hu at the prison and they were still waiting for updates on the case.
"I have requested the prison to arrange a video call between Hu and his family members in Bentong and we are still waiting for a reply from Changhua prison," he wrote on Facebook.
When contacted, Lee said he believed that Hu might have become a victim of a scam syndicate or was tricked to become a "runner" by a syndicate.
"In the past, we have heard of many Malaysians being tricked into travelling to Myanmar and Cambodia but now they are being deceived into taking up 'job offers' in Taiwan.
"I urge youngsters not to be easily convinced by jobs offering high salaries within a short duration abroad and always discuss with the family before taking up any offers," he said.
Lee said he was also assisting the family of an 18-year-old boy from Bentong who arrived in Taiwan on Dec 16 before he was arrested two days later.
"The boy is believed to have suffered a similar fate as Hu. There are many other similar cases involving Malaysians in Taiwan.
"The media in Taiwan reported that 64 Malaysians were detained for allegedly being involved in fraud cases between January and September this year, compared to 59 people last year," he said,
It was reported yesterday that Hu who was visiting Taiwan was allegedly involved in an investment scam which led to his arrest by the Taiwan authorities.