A Taiwanese university student, identified by authorities only as Zhang, and his accomplice are facing charges after Zhang underwent the amputation of both legs. The Taiwan Criminal Investigation Bureau claims that the 23-year-old purposely inflicted severe frostbite on himself by submerging his feet in dry ice for an extended period, all to file a fraudulent insurance claim valued at $1.3 million.
RELATED STORIES: Ozempic Side Effects Lawsuit Filed Against Novo Nordisk
The incident involved Zhang and a friend, Liao, who is accused of concocting the scheme. Reports from the TCIB suggest that Liao convinced Zhang to simulate a scenario where the latter would suffer frostbite during a motorbike ride in January of the previous year, aiming to exploit this fabricated tragedy for financial gain. Upon seeking medical treatment, healthcare professionals quickly became suspicious. The absence of sock or shoe imprints and the symmetrical nature of the injuries on Zhang’s feet raised doubts, as these characteristics are not similar to actual frostbite cases. Further details revealed that on the night of the supposed motorbike accident, temperatures were notably above the threshold for causing frostbite, casting further doubt on their story, as reported by Yahoo! News.
The TCIB emphasized the implausibility of such injuries occurring naturally in Taiwan’s climate, especially in the region’s flatlands where severe frostbite leading to amputation is virtually unheard of. Investigations led to the discovery of evidence at Liao’s residence, where Zhang allegedly underwent the ordeal. Authorities found a styrofoam box and plastic bucket, believed to be the containers used for the dry ice scheme. It was reported that Zhang, bound to a chair with cable ties, endured the excruciating process before seeking emergency medical attention.
RELATED STORIES: California Leads By becoming first State To Offer Health Insurance To All Undocumented Immigrants
Despite initially securing a payout of $7,200 from the insurance claim, Zhang now faces the possibility of these funds being confiscated by authorities as part of the fraud investigation.
This case has sent shockwaves through Taiwan, spotlighting the lengths to which individuals might go for financial gain and the challenges faced by insurance companies in detecting and preventing fraudulent claims. The TCIB’s ongoing investigation aims to unravel the full extent of this deceit and serve as a deterrent to potential fraudsters.