TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A shadowy network of online "revenge-for-hire" services operating openly on Taiwan's internet has drawn the attention of Taipei's government, with Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) pledging Friday (May 9) to launch a thorough investigation. The underground industry, which markets itself as providing "private justice" for aggrieved individuals, offers services ranging from minor harassment to serious physical assault against designated targets.
During a city council session, Councilor Chen Yu-cheng (陳宥丞) exposed the disturbing menu of options these services advertise, warning that they foster vigilante justice and an "eye for an eye" mentality among citizens. According to Chen's investigation, the services offer tiered packages starting with relatively minor acts like puncturing vehicle tires or instigating public confrontations, escalating to intermediate harassment such as late-night phone campaigns or garbage dumping at victims' residences. The most alarming offerings allegedly include physical violence or elaborate schemes to frame targets for crimes — all available for an additional premium.
City officials appear caught off guard by the revelations. Taipei's Department of Legal Affairs (法務局) Commissioner Lien Tang-kai (連堂凱) reported that his office has yet to receive any formal complaints about these underground services. Police Commissioner Li Hsi-he (李西河) reinforced this position, stating that Taipei's law enforcement records show no documented cases involving such revenge-for-hire operations over the past five years, raising questions about whether victims are reporting these incidents.
Councilor Chen revealed these operations brazenly market themselves with an air of legitimacy, claiming endorsements from established detective associations and advertising nearly four decades of operational history. The services position themselves as champions for those who feel traditional justice systems have failed them. Mayor Chiang responded firmly to these revelations, emphasizing that commissioning acts of harassment or violence remains fundamentally illegal regardless of motive. The mayor pledged a comprehensive crackdown on these underground revenge networks. ★
