Print

Mail

wiki links

Presidential election 2008: 3 days to go: NPA cracks down on organized crime ahead of election

A nationwide crackdown on gangs was launched yesterday and a number of alleged gangsters had been arrested by the afternoon, the National Police Agency (NPA) said yesterday.

Seven alleged gang bosses and 31 alleged gang members were arrested as part of the crackdown, the agency said in a statement.

The crackdown came in the last days before the presidential election to ensure better security before, during and after the election on Saturday, it said.

It said officers were also investigating illegal gambling operations nationwide involving betting on the result of the election, which has allegedly attracted a large number of gamblers.

Police said they had arrested seven "bosses" in total, including two alleged members of the notorious Heavenly Way Gang (天道盟). The agency said most of those arrested were gang members who used threats and violence to collect debts from people who were unable to pay.

Some of the arrested gangsters had gained control of night markets or shopping centers and were collecting protection money from stall holders, the agency said, adding that the arrests were made in response to complaints by victims or witnesses.

The agency said the crackdown was launched as the gangs could be planning to commit crimes while most police officers are busy ensuring public security during the presidential election.

The gangsters will be charged with violating the Organized Crime Prevention Act (組織犯罪條例), the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Defense said yesterday that information from its intelligence department showed that the Chinese military had not carried out any unusual activities ahead of Saturday's election, but that minor challenges such as propaganda efforts remained a possibility.

"[The Chinese military] has maintained its regular training and activities. The [People's Liberation Army] Air Force has even decreased its number of sorties along coastal areas recently," ministry spokeswoman Lisa Chi (池玉蘭) said.

Chi made the comments yesterday morning during a special press conference held by the ministry to brief reporters on PLA activities in the lead-up to the election.

She said the PLA, perhaps on intentionally, had recently relocated major forces away from coastal provinces. But high-ranking leaders and government officials have not stopped criticizing Taiwan whenever they meet foreign allies, she said.

"It is possible that the [PLA] has purposely withdrawn its forces to reduce the possibility of a military escalation," Chi said.
This story has been viewed 1533 times.