The Investigation Bureau said that the Chinese hacker syndicate “CrazyHunter” sold stolen personal data to trafficking groups on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, with two Taiwanese suspects later released on NT$30,000 (US$980) bail each after questioning.

According to a Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau press release, between February and March this year, hackers used ransomware to infiltrate and attack hospitals, publicly listed companies, and academic institutions, demanding ransom payments. Victims included MacKay Memorial Hospital, Changhua Christian Hospital, and the listed company Keding Enterprises.

Investigators said the hackers sold stolen personal data to trafficking groups in both China and Taiwan. Members of CrazyHunter included two Chinese men, while the trafficking network involved two Taiwanese suspects.

During searches and interrogations, prosecutors seized computers from the Taiwanese suspects that contained tens of thousands of personal records from domestic and overseas citizens.

Following questioning, prosecutors charged the Taiwanese felons with computer misuse, extortion, and violations of the Personal Data Protection Act. Both were released on NT$30,000 bail and placed under travel restrictions.

The Investigation Bureau urged public and private institutions to strengthen cybersecurity training and establish joint defense systems to boost detection and protection capabilities in the face of frequent international cyberattacks.