Taipei Times
Date: Apr 15, 2016
By: Staff writer, with CNA
Minister of Justice-designate Chiu Tai-san (邱太三) yesterday said that there is
Minister of Justice Luo Ying-shay, center, walks down a corridor at the Legislative Yuan in Taipei yesterday. Photo: Liu Hsin-de, Taipei Times
no need to revise fraud laws, because penalties are at a judge’s discretion.
The deportation of 45 Taiwanese involved in a telecommunications fraud case in Kenya and China has sparked a debate in which some lawmakers have proposed increasing penalties for fraud offenses as part of efforts to stem the crime.
Some in China, where many are affected by fraud, have said that Taiwanese courts treat fraudsters more leniently than in China.
The Criminal Code stipulates that those convicted of fraud using telephones or other communication equipment face imprisonment of not more than five years, Chiu said.
However, in 2004 the nature of the penalties for fraud offenses was revised to “one offense, one penalty,” Chiu said, adding that this means that the courts can increase sentences based on the number of plaintiffs. [FULL STORY]
