Taipei:Six crew members aboard the fishing vessel Man Jui Fu 6 have been detained by the Taipei District Court, following allegations that they assisted a wanted man in fleeing Taiwan by sea. The individuals, including the captain, identified by the surname Huang, a Chinese crew member named Chen, and four Indonesian crew members, are being held incommunicado.
According to Focus Taiwan, the incident involves Chang Chun-chieh, a former aide to independent lawmaker Kao Chin Su-mei. Chang, who has been on the run since September, is suspected of fleeing Taiwan with the help of the crew. Surveillance footage reportedly shows a man resembling Chang boarding another fishing boat, Chien Chun 168, before transferring to Man Jui Fu 6.
Prosecutors believe that the Man Jui Fu 6 sailed to the Taiwan Strait's median line, where a Chinese fishing boat allegedly picked up the fugitive. Payments to the crew ranged from NT$10,000 to tens of thousands of New Taiwan dollars. The boat was seized, and several crew members, including the boat owner Lee, were questioned. Lee was released on bail, while the other crew members remain in custody due to concerns about collusion.
The case also involves the Chien Chun 168, seized by the Coast Guard near Pengjia Islet, with its owner denying involvement. Chang, previously indicted for embezzlement, is also under investigation for allegedly setting up an espionage network with Chinese funds.
