Beware of police when traveling in Russia, for they could be the ones who rob you blind, warned legislators yesterday.
Chiang Shon-feng (江順風), who was victimized in the country last weekend, told his story at a press conference yesterday held by DPP legislators Tang Huo-sheng (湯火聖) and Lin Yu-sheng (林育生).
The event was organized to serve as a lesson to people who intend to travel there.
Chiang said the incident took place in Moscow last Saturday, while he was waiting for friends at the front door of a local flea market.
"All of sudden three policemen approached and forced me onto their patrol car," recounted Chiang.
"They then took me to the countryside about 2km away and abandoned me there after robbing me of about US$300."
After finding his way back to the flea market, Chiang said that he immediately went to the the local police station to report the encounter and gave the officers on duty the patrol car's license plate number.
"Though the police car was later found, I was not able to stay for the follow-up, since I was in a hurry to catch my plane home."
Citing Chiang's story, Tang called on the public to remain alert when approached by Russian police.
"Unlike the civilian thieves people encounter in Southeast Asia, those in Russia are not thieves disguised as policemen but actual police themselves," said Tang, adding that to his understanding, Chiang's case is not unusual for Taiwanese travelers to Moscow.
"To prevent being victimized,be on guard when [Russian] police approach you. If you encounter any problems, do not hesitate to contact Taiwan's representative office in Moscow," Tang said.
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