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Internet gangster recruiter arrested

Police yesterday arrested a man who used the Internet to recruit young students to join Taiwan's largest organized-crime syndicate, the Bamboo Union (竹聯幫).

"It is the first time police found gangsters using computer technology to look for members, "said the head of the Xinyi District Police Dept, Xue Ching-lian (薛清蓮).

"It is worrisome that not only more and more gangsters are getting their hands on the schools, but they also are using internet connections which would be harder for police to look into," he added.

He called for Web site holders to watch out whether any such crime is committed through the Internet, and report them to the police.

Police said yesterday morning they arrested a 27-year old man named Wang Shih-hsiung (王世雄) when he bought pistols and bullets from a 33-year old man named Hsieh Yu-chun (謝君鈺) on Zhongxiao E Road, Taipei.

Police checked Wang's background and found he was a member of the Bamboo Union. Police said Wang worked for a senior gangster who is in jail.

Police said Wang and Hsieh reached the arms deal through a Web site named "Gun." Hsieh had several times successfully sold pistols and bullets through the Web site, according to police.

Police brought Wang back to his Kaohsiung home, inspected his computer, and found that he left a message on a Web site chat room recruiting school students to join the Bamboo Union.

Police said that Wang said in his message that only those who agree to fight for the gang and obey senior gangsters can join the largest mafia group in Taiwan.

According to police, Wang admitted he had a connection with the Bamboo Union, and that he was assigned by senior gangsters to establish a division in Kaohsiung.

Police found some students had sent e-mails to Wang, leaving their personal information and agreeing to join the union.

Police said Hsieh learned to make pistols when he served in military.

Police said the Bamboo Union used to be involved in big arms deals and gambling, but now it has become notorious for extorting money from well-known restaurants, pubs and KTVs.
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