Taichung Hot Pot Restaurant Owners Flee with Funds, Landlord Laments Vandalized Property

(CNA, Reporter Chao Li-yen, Taichung, 8th) The Taichung City hot pot chain "Dan Shui Gun" closed without warning, and its operators, a married couple surnamed Huang, are suspected of embezzling funds and absconding to China. Recently, the storefront was allegedly vandalized, prompting the landlord to helplessly post a notice stating the property is not the Huang couple's asset and hoping for no further damage.

According to a police investigation, the Huang couple operated hot pot restaurants in Taichung's Daya and Beitun districts. Their business empire expanded to include a travel agency, a credit investigation agency, and a leisure business company. They also participated in social groups such as the Lions Club and charitable associations, and solicited investments from the public. However, due to suspected investment failures, the Huang couple and their two children left the country for China one after another.

After the hot pot restaurant closed, suspected investors came to inspect the site, and joss paper was scattered at the entrance by unknown individuals.

The landlord helplessly posted a notice: "We are caught off guard and deeply regret this incident. However, this property is not the asset of the Huang couple. Please do not cause any damage. We hope for your understanding and cooperation. Thank you."

The Daya Precinct of the Taichung City Police Department stated today that 10 people have reported the case to the precinct, involving a sum of about NT$100 million. Victims can prepare evidence such as loan agreements to report the case to the police.

According to sources, the victims have formed a self-help group, with 500 people already participating. (Editor: Li Ming-tsung) 1150608