Taiwan's Top Crypto Sleuth Miffy Chen's Death
Prosecutors have launched an investigation into the death of Miffy Chen (陳梅慧), a prominent cryptocurrency expert, following her fatal car crash on 4 December.
Her work with law enforcement to track and freeze illicit assets has raised questions about whether the incident was purely accidental.
Prosecutor-General Hsing Tai-chao assigned the Hsinchu District Prosecutors' Office to lead the probe at the request of the Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) and other agencies involved in her efforts to solve high-profile financial fraud and money laundering cases.
Chen died in a six-car collision on the northbound lanes of Sun Yat-sen Freeway (Freeway No. 1) near Hsinchu.
She was traveling home with her boyfriend, a CIB detective surnamed Hsieh, after consulting with Taichung prosecutors on an ongoing criminal case.
Hsieh sustained injuries in the crash.
⚡️遭刑警檢舉洩密罪，知名幣流分析師Miffy國道枉死！刑事局：惋惜痛心#cryptonews #比特幣 #miffy #車禍 #xrex #刑事局 #陳梅慧 #88會館 #創意私房 #詐騙集團 pic.twitter.com/TNT9agKKXZ
— 動區動趨 BlockTempo (@BlockTempo) December 9, 2024
The circumstances surrounding her death remain under scrutiny, fuelling speculation about its nature. https://www.coinlive.com/news/liam-payne-s-tragic-death-sparked-launch-of-over-150-meme
Chen's Cooperation Helped Track Down Around NT$9.3 Billion
Chen and her boyfriend, CIB detective Hsieh, were reportedly summoned to the prosecutor's office in connection with a complaint alleging that Hsieh had leaked confidential information about a fraud syndicate investigation to Chen.
The complaint, as reported by China Times, a media outlet often considered pro-Beijing, led to Hsieh's questioning and release on NT$30,000 bail (approximately $920), while Chen was released without bail.
Chen, widely regarded as Taiwan's foremost cryptocurrency investigator, had served as a pro bono expert consultant for the CIB, Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau (MJIB), and other law enforcement agencies.
Her expertise had been crucial in solving 60 fraud cases this year, resulting in the confiscation of NT$9.3 billion in suspected illegal proceeds, according to Taoyuan City Councilor Huang Ching-ping.
Huang also revealed that Chen had received warnings from police regarding her safety, as criminal groups had begun inquiring about her personal information, signaling a growing threat to her well-being:
“We began to hear criminal groups ask about Chen's background and personal information, and police reminded her about personal safety. Hsieh, as a CIB officer, protected her when she traveled to and from work.”
Chen's Illustrious Portfolio in Combatting Crypto Crime
Taoyuan City Councilor Huang Chiung-hui revealed that Chen had contributed to high-profile investigations, including one into an online forum trafficking sexually explicit videos and another involving Kuo Che-min, the operator of the 88 Lounge private club.
Kuo, indicted for laundering NT$21.7 billion, was released last month after posting NT$100 million bail.
Chen, regarded as Taiwan's foremost blockchain financial crime investigator, had a notable career.
She played a key role with XREX, Taiwan's first registered cryptocurrency trading platform, and worked with the Judicial Reform Foundation, also serving as secretary on the presidential Judicial Reform Committee.
CIB Deputy Commissioner Huang Jen-tsung credited Chen with significantly aiding efforts to confiscate illegal cryptocurrency proceeds in recent years.
He added:
“Victims of such scams are most concerned about getting their money back.”
In April, a task force was established to target digital wallets and online deposit safes, enabling the freezing and confiscation of illicit funds.
Huang commended Chen for volunteering her expertise in this initiative, underscoring her invaluable contribution to society.
