Blockchain investigation expert Chen Mei-hui dies in a car accident on the national highway; the reckless driver responsible for the death is sentenced to 2 years and 4 months.

XREX Chief Blockchain Financial Crime Investigator Chen Mei-Hui was involved in a car accident on the national highway last December and tragically passed away. Following the incident, due to her long-term assistance to the police in investigating fraud and money laundering cases, there was speculation that there might be more to the story behind the accident. After a thorough investigation and judicial process, prosecutors concluded that this was a simple traffic accident, and the driver responsible was ultimately sentenced to 2 years and 4 months in prison for negligent homicide.

Professional Investigator’s Career and Contributions

Chen Mei-Hui was a top investigation expert in Taiwan’s blockchain field, with many years of experience in financial crime investigations and deep expertise in tracking illegal financial flows. She provided critical assistance in several major police cases, successfully freezing numerous illicit assets. Her involvement in high-profile cases included the sensational “88 Club Money Laundering Case,” the investigation into illegal financial flows of “Creative Private,” and an in-depth probe into the money laundering patterns of the “Money Laundering Godfather” Tu Cheng-Wen, accumulating extensive practical experience.

Key Background Before the Accident

Shortly before the car accident on the highway, Chen Mei-Hui was being questioned in connection with a leak case at the Taichung District Prosecutors Office. On the day of the incident, she was riding an Uber back from Taichung to the northern region with her boyfriend, who works in the Criminal Investigation Bureau. When they reached the 77.7 km mark on National Highway 1 heading north, they encountered a traffic jam caused by a previous accident, and their Uber was forced to stop in the inner lane waiting.

Sudden Impact and Tragedy

Less than an hour later, a sport utility vehicle (SUV) engaged in airport shuttle service sped towards them at high speed. The 40-year-old driver, surnamed Xu, due to a bend blocking his view and without slowing down, directly collided with the Uber in front. The massive impact caused the rear of the Uber to crumple severely, with Chen Mei-Hui suffering fractures to her chest and thigh bones, as well as massive abdominal bleeding. Despite medical rescue efforts, Chen Mei-Hui unfortunately died. The accident also caused a chain reaction, with Xu’s vehicle hitting four cars ahead, injuring three other people.

Cause Analysis and Technical Appraisal

During the investigation, examiners conducted detailed inspections of Xu’s SUV. Results showed that the engine and brake systems were functioning normally, but at the time of the accident, the driver neither pressed the brakes nor did the brake lights activate. Notably, the vehicle was equipped with the EyeSight driver assistance system, which was in working condition but was turned off.

Analysis of ETC toll records indicated that Xu was driving at approximately 106 to 108 km/h before the accident, while the speed limit on that section was 100 km/h. The judge’s ruling stated that Xu was speeding both before and at the time of the accident.

Judicial Verdict and Responsibility

In assessing the case, the judge pointed out that as a professional small vehicle driver, Xu was legally required to remain highly alert and respond appropriately to changing road conditions. However, he failed to slow down according to warning signs, ultimately causing serious consequences including 1 death and 3 injuries. The judge specifically mentioned that Xu has not reached a settlement with Chen Mei-Hui’s family nor made any compensation or reconciliation with the other three injured parties.

Nevertheless, considering that Xu admitted to the offense from the beginning and has no prior criminal record, the judge ultimately sentenced him to 2 years and 4 months in prison for negligent homicide. The case remains open to appeal, and subsequent developments are to be watched.