Taiwanese University Student Incarcerated After Unusual $1.3 Million Insurance Claim Attempt
A Taiwanese university student found himself incarcerated after a peculiar attempt to secure a $1.3 million insurance payout. He purportedly went to extreme lengths by self-amputating his legs to meet the insurance requirements. What started as a bid for a substantial sum turned tragic for the 23-year-old Taiwanese student known only by the surname Zhang.
As per a statement from the Taiwan Criminal Investigation Bureau released on Thursday, Zhang endured severe frostbite, leading to a double amputation due to prolonged exposure of his feet to dry ice in a bucket for more than 10 hours. Additionally, an acquaintance from his high school days named Liao played a role in persuading Zhang to execute the insurance scheme, as disclosed by the bureau.
ALSO READ: Travel Insurance Payouts Hit Record High
Liao, also 23, allegedly manipulated Zhang, who was dealing with financial losses from cryptocurrency trading. Liao coerced Zhang into signing a legal document obliging him to repay nearly $800,000. Liao also falsely informed Zhang about being pursued by dangerous individuals.
The incident took a dubious turn on January 26th, 2023, during a late-night motorcycle ride in Taipei undertaken by Liao and Zhang to establish an alibi. Their objective was to make it seem like Zhang’s frostbite resulted from an accident during the motorcycle outing. This ruse becomes even more suspect given Zhang’s recent acquisition of substantial life, travel, and accident insurance policies, as per prosecutors’ findings.
Despite Zhang’s hospitalization for frostbite following their motorcycle trip, medical personnel noted inconsistencies during his examination, raising doubts about the entire narrative.
