S4-E32 - The “Demon of Chiayi” - and other true crime tales
Nov 21, 2024
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Explore a chilling array of true crime tales that reveal the dark side of life insurance in Taiwan. From absurd insurance scams involving self-mutilation to the infamous 'Demon of Chiayi,' a serial killer with a disturbing legacy, the stories are both shocking and darkly humorous. Delve into the case of Lin Yu-Ju, whose gambling addiction led to murder, and the complexities surrounding the only female death row inmate in Taiwan. These narratives not only entertain but also provoke thought about justice and morality in society.
The podcast highlights the tragic spiral of gambling addiction in Taiwan, leading individuals to commit extreme acts like self-harm for insurance fraud.
It explores the chilling legacy of serial killer Chen Rui Ching, whose calculated murders centered around manipulating insurance policies for financial gain.
Deep dives
The Deadly Intersection of Gambling and Insurance Fraud
Gambling is a pervasive issue in Taiwan, often leading individuals to desperate measures when debts accumulate. One notable case involves a man named Huang Zunming, an insurance company manager who accrued massive gambling debts, compelling him to resort to insurance fraud. In a misguided attempt to benefit from life insurance payouts, Huang enlisted friends to help him sever his own hand, believing this self-inflicted injury would lead to financial gain. Despite the grotesque nature of the plan, police quickly uncovered the truth, realizing the inconsistencies in Huang's story and the motivation behind his self-harm.
The Infamous Serial Killer of Jiayi
Chen Rui Ching, known as the Demon of Jiayi, is one of Taiwan's most notorious serial killers, infamous for his series of murders rooted in insurance fraud. Over the years, Chen systematically murdered multiple family members and wives, staging their deaths as accidents to collect hefty insurance payouts. His calculated actions included drugging his victims to ensure their compliance before carrying out his heinous acts, allowing him to maintain an air of innocence. Eventually apprehended by authorities, he confessed to five murders, and in 2013, he was executed, leaving behind a chilling legacy of betrayal and deception.
The Puli Poisoning Murderer
Lynn Yu-Ju's story represents a grim and calculated approach to gambling debts and insurance fraud, as she resorted to murder to solve her financial issues. After experiencing hardship, she became addicted to gambling and committed her first crime by murdering her mother for insurance money. This escalated to a series of poisoning attempts on her husband and further plots against other family members, indicating a chilling pattern of manipulation and deceit. Ultimately, Lynn was apprehended and sentenced to death, highlighting the dire consequences that stem from a combination of gambling and life insurance schemes.
From a couple of morons who dismember themselves in a bid to scam insurance companies, to the infamous “Demon of Chiayi” serial killer Chen Jui-chin 陳瑞欽 (plus the story of the only woman on death row in Taiwan), this week Formosa Files brings you an assortment of true crime stories.
WARNING: Don't play this episode aloud where children might hear.