Taiwan Quick Take: Fake lama influx

The number of fake Tibetan lamas from China applying to enter the country using forged documents is on the rise, drawing the attention of law enforcement and national security authorities. Police and security authorities suspect that a number of unlawful organizations have been providing assistance to the fake lamas, taking advantage of a loophole in the country's law enforcement. Although the majority of Tibetan monks in Taiwan are sincerely devoted to their calling, many have been arrested on charges of illegal activities related to fraud, human or drug trafficking and sex offenses, government officials said. Some lamas conceal their true identity as Chinese agents and engage in subversion here, a national security official said.