MAC urges Hong Kong to explain detention of Taiwan national

Taipei, March. 6 (CNA) The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) called on the Hong Kong authorities Thursday to explain the detention of a Taiwanese national arrested upon arrival in the city on suspicion of money laundering on Feb. 18.

"We hope that the Hong Kong authorities can quickly complete relevant procedures and provide us with an explanation," MAC Deputy Head and Spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh (梁文傑) said at a news briefing on Thursday in Taipei.

The MAC said the woman was a member of a delegation organized by the Hualien County Government who, along with opposition Kuomintang (KMT) legislative caucus whip Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁), was originally set to attend a travel expo in the city on Feb. 20.

MAC head Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) said in Taipei earlier Thursday that she was arrested and is being detained on suspicion of charges related to money laundering under Hong Kong law.

Liang said the delegation arrived in Hong Kong on the evening of Feb. 18, and that other delegation members informed the Office of Hong Kong Affairs - run by the MAC - the following morning that she had been arrested upon arrival.

After receiving report of the arrest upon arrival, staff members from the office in the Chinese special administrative region "immediately opened inquires with the Hong Kong police," Liang said, adding that the detained individual works at the Shin Kong Chao Feng Resort Ranch - a combination zoo and farm - in Hualien County.

"There are no national security-related reasons in this case, but it is still up to them (Hong Kong authorities) to explain the details and facts of the case," Chiu added.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, Chinese-language Mirror Media reported on Wednesday that the detained individual, surnamed Chen (陳), was accused of involvement in a US$10,000 money laundering case in Hong Kong 25 years ago and was arrested upon arrival, as Hong Kong has no statute of limitations for such offenses.

However, Hong Kong-based news website HK01 reported that Chen was arrested on suspicion of money laundering in connection with a case involving the impersonation of a Chinese official for fraud in 2019, resulting in an individual losing HK$3.29 million (US$ 423,318).

Liang said that HK01's report differs from the information gathered by the MAC and that investigations into what had happened were underway.

He said Chen has a "normal background" and has worked at the resort ranch for about 20 years, primarily handling public relations and auditing matters.

He added that her company has already hired a lawyer in Hong Kong.

The second bail hearing is scheduled for Friday, and the formal court hearing will take place on April 17, the council added.