Taiwan probes organized crime links to China’s ‘transnational repression’

A China Coast Guard vessel in 2017. Taiwan says it is facing a stepped-up pressure campaign by Beijing, including in the waters around the island where China's military and coast guard operate daily. | REUTERS

Oct 22, 2026

TAIPEI – Taiwan is probing organized crime’s links to Chinese efforts to carry out “transnational repression,“ a security official said on Thursday, after the island’s government said Beijing was behind an attack on a comedian who mocked Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Taiwan, which China views as its own territory over the island’s objections, has complained that Beijing is using various underhanded methods to go after Taiwanese nationals who the Chinese government views as separatists or are otherwise politically suspect.

Speaking to reporters at parliament, Taiwan National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen said the local networks that cooperate in incidents like the comedian attack are mostly criminal gangs, or private investigation firms linked to organized crime.

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