Hsinchu: The Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office announced that it has filed a motion seeking the detention of five suspects in connection with the death of a 17-year-old boy, surnamed Tseng. Four additional individuals involved in the incident have been referred to a juvenile court.

According to Focus Taiwan, the motion was submitted to the Hsinchu District Court on Thursday. It seeks to detain and hold the five suspects, including a man surnamed Hsieh, incommunicado due to concerns about potential collusion or evidence tampering. The case reportedly began over a NT$25,000 (US$818) debt that Tseng allegedly owed Hsieh. On August 17, Hsieh and eight accomplices allegedly abducted Tseng in Zhudong Township, driving him to Jianshih Township where he was later beaten to death.

The victim’s body was discovered on Wednesday in a mountainous area in Yilan County’s Toucheng Township. Authorities arrested and questioned Hsieh and others on charges including kidnapping for ransom resulting in death.

The Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office noted that four of the suspects are minors and have been referred to the juvenile division of the Hsinchu District Court in line with the Juvenile Justice Act. The detention request is currently under review by the Hsinchu court.