Asia arms dealer's assets could be in IoM

Taiwanese authorities request asset freeze

Authorities in Taiwan are to call on government here to freeze a notorious arms dealer’s assets, according to local media.

It’s thought one of the nation's most wanted criminals has had money stored in a Manx bank account for years.

Andrew Wang fled the Republic of China in 1993, over his embroilment in a bribery and murder case involving French-made warships.

He was reported dead two years ago, with an indictment still to his name.

But now the District Court in Taipei has ordered the seizure of almost £700 million linked to 61 bank accounts in different countries, including the Isle of Man.

Officials are reported to be seeking the return of the money – but a lack of mutual co-operation agreements between the two jurisdictions could make the matter difficult to pursue.