A well-known Taiwanese actor who gained significant popularity across Asia has been sentenced to six months in prison by a district court for illegally accessing private information. The sentence can be converted to a fine.
Court Ruling Details
The court handed down identical six-month sentences to both the actor and his partner for violations related to unauthorized use of personal data. A police officer who assisted them by forging official documents and conducting illegal information searches received a heavier sentence of one year and four months.
During proceedings, the defense argued that no direct orders were given to access private records, but the court rejected this claim. The officer’s explanation that the data leak was accidental was also dismissed.
Background of the Case
The situation began when the actor allegedly paid a substantial sum to a broker to avoid mandatory military service through document falsification. When the broker was arrested on unrelated charges and became unreachable, the actor believed he had been scammed and sought help through connections to locate the broker.
Through an acquaintance, contact was made with a criminal investigation officer who illegally accessed the broker’s personal information and passed it along.
Additional Allegations
Separate incidents also came to light during the investigation. The actor’s partner had previously experienced financial loss from a fraud case while working as an online broadcaster. Evidence suggested that organized crime members were enlisted to illegally gather contact details and addresses of the alleged fraudster and family members for intimidation purposes.
Another incident involved ordering retaliation against a taxi driver over unsatisfactory service. An associate reportedly conspired with gang members to assault the driver, and the actor allegedly filmed the attack and shared it via messaging apps. The driver sustained serious injuries, leading to attempted homicide charges. The actor was later released on substantial bail.
Military Service Evasion Charges
Beyond privacy law violations, the actor faces separate proceedings for military service fraud and document forgery. Reports indicate that false medical certificates were obtained through a doctor to change military classification from active duty to exemption status, with significant payments made in exchange.
Under Taiwan’s conscription system, mandatory service lasts one year. Revised military service laws impose penalties of up to five years imprisonment for those who make false declarations or conceal facts to evade service obligations. Prosecutors have requested a one-year prison term for these charges.
The actor rose to fame through advertising work and achieved breakthrough success with a popular romantic film that resonated with audiences throughout the region. Subsequent projects included action films and romantic series.