Taichung: An HIV-positive man in central Taiwan has been indicted on charges including rape resulting in serious bodily injury after being linked to five women with HIV infections, Taiwan health agencies reported. The case emerged following a health bureau investigation in central Taiwan, which identified multiple HIV-positive individuals connected to the same person during contact tracing.
According to Focus Taiwan, a deeper investigation revealed suspected sexual offenses, leading to referrals to police, social welfare authorities, and prosecutors, as stated by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The man allegedly used religious rhetoric to deceive and exploit the women, according to a CDC statement. Local health agencies informed CNA that the five related cases spanned three cities and counties, including one involving the man's girlfriend. Prosecutors have not disclosed further details about the case.
In response to the situation, the CDC emphasized that local health authorities have provided affected individuals with health information, testing, treatment, and counseling. To protect the privacy of people living with HIV, regulations prohibit the disclosure of identifying information, and violators face fines ranging from NT$90,000 (US$2,846) to NT$450,000.
Kuo Tsai-jung, director-general of the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Department of Protective Services, highlighted that sexual offenses can take many forms, including manipulation through religion or authority. She urged potential victims and anyone with relevant information to report sexual offenses, stressing that violations of sexual autonomy should not be rationalized.
The CDC noted that the case came to light late last year when the suspect was identified as a contact of two women confirmed to have HIV, raising suspicions. Despite being listed as an HIV-infected person's contact two years ago, the suspect was not automatically tested for HIV. CDC spokesperson Tseng Shu-hui explained that Taiwan does not mandate HIV testing for contacts to avoid discouraging infected individuals from providing contact information, balancing human rights and public health.
Testing without consent can only occur when screening donated blood or organs, Tseng said. She further mentioned that concealing one's HIV-positive status and engaging in high-risk sexual behavior can result in up to 12 years in prison. However, it remains unclear whether the suspect knew of his HIV-positive status when the alleged offenses occurred.
In Taichung, where the man was identified as a school bus driver, city officials are reviewing measures to ensure student safety. The city's Education Bureau emphasized the importance of child protection and background screening for personnel in prolonged contact with students, as part of its ongoing efforts to safeguard school transportation services.