By KHT Staff. Image via Threads.
KAOHSIUNG — Police in Kaohsiung are investigating a viral social media post that appeared to recruit members for a local criminal gang, after a man whose name was attached to the message reported that his identity had been used without permission.
The Liberty Times reports the post circulated on the social media platform Threads and claimed to represent a Kaohsiung branch leader of a gang recruiting new members. It listed requirements for applicants, including being from southern Taiwan, between the ages of 15 and 49, physically fit, and having completed military service.
Officers from the Kaohsiung City Police Department Criminal Investigation Division summoned two men with the surnames Chen and Chiu for questioning.
Chen told police that he had been impersonated online and said he was the victim of a prank or malicious act. Investigators are also examining the possibility that the post may have been created by Chen’s friend, surnamed Chiu, though he also denied involvement.
The post quickly drew widespread attention online, attracting more than 4,000 comments within a day. Some users questioned the logic of the recruitment criteria, asking how a 15-year-old applicant could have already completed military service. Others mocked the situation by comparing it to Taiwan’s broader labor shortage.
Police said the case remains under investigation and could lead to charges including defamation and violations of Taiwan’s Personal Data Protection Act.
Authorities emphasized that online impersonation and prank posts involving criminal activity are not harmless jokes and warned that those responsible could face legal consequences. Police also reiterated that they maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward organized crime groups operating in the city.
