Taoyuan Luzhu Police Intercept Suspicious Van, Arrest 8 Absconded Vietnamese Workers

TAOYUAN, Taiwan — On July 17, Central News Agency reporter Wu Jui-chi reported that the Luzhu Precinct of the Taoyuan City Police Department announced today that officers intercepted a suspicious van during a routine patrol on the 16th, uncovering eight Vietnamese nationals—seven men and one woman—found to be overstaying their visas or having gone missing from their registered workplaces. All individuals were charged with violations of the 'Immigration Act' and transferred to the Immigration Agency's Special Task Force for further investigation.

Deputy Chief Chen Zhiyi of the Waisha Police Substation under the Luzhu Precinct stated during a media briefing that while conducting patrol and anti-drunk driving operations, officers observed a van acting suspiciously along Shanlin Road Sec. 2 near the Caosizuo intersection, repeatedly stopping and starting. Officers lawfully signaled the vehicle to pull over for inspection.

Upon questioning, officers found the van overcrowded with passengers who appeared visibly nervous and provided inconsistent statements about their identities. Deputy Chief Chen noted that three officers on the scene immediately secured the front passenger and rear side doors to prevent escape, while backup units were called in. All eight Vietnamese workers were safely escorted back to the police station for identity verification.

Further investigation revealed that all eight individuals were foreign workers who had either overstayed their legal residence period or had gone missing from their registered employment sites. The case has been referred to the Immigration Agency's Special Task Force for legal proceedings, including detention and repatriation arrangements. The Luzhu Police Division urged employers not to illegally hire absconded foreign workers and pledged to continue strengthening patrols to maintain public order and community safety. (Edited by Lin Shu-hui) 1150617