Taiwan is investigating possible links between organised crime and Chinese efforts to target people overseas who criticise Beijing. The probe follows an attack on a comedian who mocked Chinese President Xi Jinping.
A senior Taiwanese security official said on Thursday that investigators are examining whether local criminal groups received orders or funding from the Chinese Communist Party. The government says it wants to identify the people behind such acts and break up the networks involved.
Taiwan has accused Beijing of using pressure and intimidation against people it sees as supporters of independence or political opponents. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, but Taiwan rejects Beijing’s claim and runs its own democratic government.
The latest case has raised fresh concerns about how political disputes may lead to threats or attacks inside Taiwan.
Security Chief Points to Criminal Networks
Tsai Ming-yen, director-general of Taiwan’s National Security Bureau, spoke to reporters at parliament on Thursday. He said local groups involved in incidents such as the comedian attack were often criminal gangs or private investigation firms with links to organised crime.
Tsai said the key question was whether these groups had acted under direction from Chinese authorities or received money from them.
“The National Security Bureau is more concerned with whether anyone behind them has been directed and funded by the Chinese Communist Party,” he said.
He added that breaking up the wider criminal groups and their networks was a major focus for the bureau.
The remarks suggest the investigation is looking beyond the people who carried out the attack. Officials also want to learn who may have planned, supported, or paid for the operation.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The office has also not answered earlier questions about the assault on the comedian.
Attack on Xi Jinping Critic
Taiwan’s government has said Beijing was behind the attack on the comedian, who had made fun of Xi Jinping. The case has led prosecutors to take action against five people, according to an earlier report.
The attack has become part of a wider debate about the safety of people who speak out against the Chinese government. Taiwan says such cases may involve efforts to silence critics beyond China’s borders.
The term “transnational repression” describes attempts by a government or its supporters to threaten, harass, or harm people outside its territory because of their views or activities.
Taiwanese officials say local criminal networks may provide a way for outside forces to carry out such acts. The investigation aims to find out whether that happened in the comedian’s case.
Other Critics Have Faced Attacks
The comedian is not the only China critic to face an attack in Taiwan. Denise Ho, a Hong Kong singer and activist, was targeted in Taipei in 2019.
A masked man threw red paint at Ho during the incident. She has been known for her support of democratic rights in Hong Kong and her criticism of Beijing.
The case remains an example of the risks that activists and public figures may face when they speak against the Chinese government.
Taiwan’s security agencies are now considering whether existing laws are strong enough to address such cases. Tsai said the legal framework for dealing with transnational repression needed attention.
He said Taiwan’s democratic system and rule of law made it important to find ways to stop these activities while protecting the country’s legal standards.
Taiwan Considers Legal Changes
Tsai said Taiwan might need to amend its laws to better respond to China’s activities. He described the need to curb transnational repression as an important issue for the island.
Any legal changes could focus on the role of local helpers, criminal networks, or people who provide support to hostile foreign forces. However, the government has not announced specific changes as part of this investigation.
Taiwan’s Supreme Prosecutors Office also issued a warning on Thursday. It urged the public to remain alert and avoid helping hostile foreign forces or allowing themselves to be used as local collaborators.
The warning shows that prosecutors see public awareness as part of the response. Officials want people to report suspicious activity and avoid taking part in actions that may support outside pressure campaigns.
The investigation comes as Taiwan continues to face tensions with Beijing. The island’s government says it must protect people who express political views and prevent criminal groups from being used to target them.
For now, investigators are seeking to establish whether the attack involved direction or funding from China. Their findings may shape future security measures and any changes to Taiwan’s laws on foreign interference and organised crime.
