Executive Investigated for Forcing Missing Teen into Hostess Work and Abuse

Court Findings on the Recruitment of Minor “Xiao Qi”

According to the judgment, a broker surnamed Cai, known as “Ah Ben,” brought a girl under 18, identified as “Xiao Qi,” to the hotel for an interview. Zhang, who managed interviews and check-ins, agreed to hire her at a rate of NT$140 per 10-minute session.

To avoid police detection during inspections, Cai provided Xiao Qi with a national ID card belonging to another person. This allowed the minor to work undetected from October 5 to October 8, 2010.

Details of the “Fast Song Show Dance” Services

Court records state that Xiao Qi was required to perform in hotel private rooms. During “fast songs,” she had to remove her clothes to expose her upper body and dance wearing only underwear.

The judgment further specifies that the minor was required to allow unspecified adult male customers to touch her breasts and buttocks as part of the service.

Legal Reasoning for Sentence Reduction

The judge noted that Zhang acted for his own financial gain as a floor manager and disregarded the healthy development of the minor, which “seriously distorted” the girl’s values. However, the court applied Article 59 of the Criminal Code to reduce the sentence.

The reduction was based on several factors: Zhang did not hold a dominant or controlling position, there was no evidence he took commissions from the girl’s earnings, and she only worked for four days without being subjected to coercion. The court determined that the minimum legal penalty of three years would be “too harsh” given these circumstances.

Zhang admitted to the crimes during the trial. The final sentence includes the 1 year and 10 months of imprisonment and a fine that can be converted to labor at a rate of NT$1,000 per day. The case remains eligible for appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the specific charge against Zhang?
He was convicted under the Act for the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation of Children and Youth for the crime of harboring a youth for the purpose of profit and engaging in obscene acts for consideration.

How did the defendants attempt to hide the minor’s identity?
The broker, Cai, provided the girl with a fake national ID card belonging to someone else to deceive police during inspections.

Why did the judge reduce the prison sentence?
The judge cited Zhang’s base-level role, the short duration of the employment (four days), the lack of evidence regarding commission theft, and the absence of coercion.

Do you believe the distinction between “base-level” staff and “dominant” figures should impact sentencing in exploitation cases?