A suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of a 56-year-old chair of a Pingtung County-based metal resources company last month, the Liberty Times (sister paper of the Taipei Times) reported today, dispelling rumors of espionage tied to the company's importance in the critical minerals industry.
It is believed that the suspect is a former employee who allegedly killed the man in a burglary attempt gone wrong, the paper reported.
The victim, surnamed Huang (黃), was found tied up and apparently beaten to death on July 24 in his home in Fangliao Township (枋寮), where he lived alone.
Photo: Tsai Tsung-hsien, Taipei Times
Huang was chairman of Jing Yuan Tungsten Cobalt Resources Co Ltd (京沅鎢鈷資源), which operates out of the Pingnan Industrial Park (屏南工業區).
The suspect was arrested in northern or central Taiwan after several days of investigation by a special task force from the Pingtung County Police Bureau, the Liberty Times reported.
The suspect frequently helped Huang with household chores and repair work at his residence, giving him detailed knowledge of the property's layout and security, it said.
Investigators believe that the suspect intended to break into the home and steal valuables while Huang was away, but when Huang unexpectedly returned home, a physical confrontation ensued, the paper reported.
The suspect then allegedly bound Huang's hands and feet with adhesive tape before beating him with a stick, causing fatal head injuries, it said.
After failing to reach his father for some time, Huang's son visited the house on July 24, where he discovered his father's body and called the police.
A forensic examination found that Huang had suffered multiple abrasions, bruises and blunt-force trauma, including a scalp laceration and a skull fracture, police said.
While no valuables were reported missing, a comprehensive home security camera system appeared to have malfunctioned, significantly complicating the investigation, prosecutors said at the time.
Huang’s company is widely regarded as one of Asia's leading experts in tungsten recycling technology, crucial for making the key component in many semiconductor, military and aerospace products, industry sources said.
Prosecutors and police have declined to comment on the case until the investigation is complete, as they continue to investigate whether the suspect acted with premeditation or had additional motives.
However, prosecutors said that the preliminary investigation has ruled out any national security-related motive.
Additional reporting by CNA
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