Actor Lee Kang-sheng being probed over alleged fish farm trespassing

New Taipei, June 16 (CNA) Taiwanese actor Lee Kang-sheng (李康生), a Golden Horse and Asian Film Awards winner, issued a public apology on Sunday after becoming the subject of a police investigation for allegedly stealing sea urchins from an aquaculture farm in New Taipei.

The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on May 22 at a coastal shellfish farm operated by Renhe Abalone in Gongliao District. Security footage showed Lee using a net to scoop two sea urchins from a pool on the property, while another man, identified by his surname Hsu (許), shone a flashlight for him.

The farm's owner, surnamed Wu (吳), contacted the Ruifang Precinct of the New Taipei City Police Department after discovering the unauthorized entry.

By the time Wu arrived at the scene with officers, Lee and Hsu had already returned the sea urchins, valued at approximately NT$500 (US$17), to the pool.

The two men were questioned by police and referred to the Keelung District Prosecutors Office on suspicion of theft, authorities said.

They were released on May 23, though authorities noted that further investigation is needed due to the potential criminal nature of the incident.

In an Instagram post on Sunday, the 56-year-old Lee said he was snorkeling along the Gongliao coast with a visiting friend from Canada when high waves forced them to seek shelter.

Believing the abalone farm was abandoned, Lee said the two entered the premises to continue snorkeling.

According to Lee, he retrieved the sea urchins to "show off" to his friend and was unaware that the facility was privately owned.

He added that Wu had accepted their apology on the condition that Lee make a charitable donation, and they have since become friends.

In an interview with CNA, Wu said Lee and Hsu were respectful and apologetic. He added that he agreed not to pursue civil litigation on the condition that Lee donate NT$36,000 (US$1,219) to either a senior care home or an orphanage, a condition Lee said he has fulfilled.

Lee won Best Actor at the 2013 Golden Horse Awards for his performance in Stray Dogs (郊遊), and most recently earned Best Supporting Actor at the 18th Asian Film Awards in March for his role in Stranger Eyes (默視錄), a Taiwan-Singapore-France-U.S. co-produced thriller-drama.