Taiwan Man, Who's A Cancer Patient, Loses Life Savings After Hotel Room Gets Broken Into On 1st Day Of His Final Trip | WeirdKaya

A 69-year-old man from Taoyuan, Taiwan, lost nearly all his life savings after his hotel room was broken into during a solo trip to Hualien, a journey he had planned to make the most of his remaining time after being diagnosed with stage three colon cancer.

According to reports by ETtoday News, the elderly man, surnamed Zhang, travelled alone by train from Taoyuan to Hualien on the 14th and checked into a hotel in Hualien city.

With no wife or children, he decided to take the trip to fulfil a personal wish after learning of his illness.

Bringing his money with him to avoid home burglary

Fearing that leaving money at home would make his house a target for thieves, Zhang carried his lifelong savings with him in cash and gold, amounting to nearly one million New Taiwan dollars (about RM130,000).

However, tragedy struck on his first day at the hotel when he went out to shower and forgot to lock his room door. In just over ten minutes, his bag containing all his valuables was stolen.

Upon discovering the theft, Zhang immediately lodged a police report. Despite losing everything, he remained calm and told officers that he was already battling a serious illness and that money was ultimately a material possession.

Police officers who attended the scene were deeply moved by his situation and assisted him with the necessary procedures.

Suspect arrested after swift police investigation

Following the report, Hualien police reviewed CCTV footage around the hotel and quickly identified a suspect, a man surnamed Pan. Police said the suspect had noticed Zhang carrying a heavy bag believed to contain valuable items and followed him while waiting for an opportunity.

When Zhang left his room to shower and failed to lock the door, the suspect allegedly entered the room, stole the bag, and fled the scene.

Investigations revealed that after the theft, Pan repeatedly changed transportation methods and even purchased a vehicle in Taoyuan before returning to Hualien with his wife, unaware that police were already tracking his movements.

Once the couple entered Hualien city, officers intercepted and arrested them. Authorities recovered the stolen cash and gold, along with mobile phones, illegal drugs, and other evidence.

Assisted the victim in returning home

Police said that since Zhang was left without money and unable to return home, they assisted him by providing a train ticket so he could safely return to Taoyuan.

The case is now being investigated under charges including aggravated theft, possession of stolen goods, money laundering offences, and drug-related violations.

Police also reminded the public to remain cautious when staying at hotels and to secure doors and valuables properly to prevent similar incidents.

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