Kidnapped Internet Gambling Millionaire Found Dead

A Taiwan businessman who reportedly amassed tens of millions of US dollars from illegal gambling has been murdered by his kidnappers, police confirmed on Monday.

Shih Chia-chin was picked up by his chauffeur Hsieh Yuan-hsin from the northern airport of Taoyuan on August 18.  A few hours later Shih’s company received a phone call demanding a ransom of Tw$50 million (US$1.7 million).

His family attempted to negotiate with the kidnappers and even wired Tw$30 million to three designated bank accounts, but also alerted police. 

Authorities confirm that the chauffeur attempted to withdraw the wired funds soon after.  He fled Taiwan on a flight to Thailand using a fake passport.  

Shih's body was found Sunday evening in a ditch in a remote area of the southern city of Tainan.  Police said at least two other people were involved in the kidnap.
Shih had kept a low profile since he survived a kidnapping attempt four years ago and was also sentenced to an 18-month suspended prison sentence for operating an illegal online gambling ring nine years ago. 
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com