3 May 2002

gay men robbed at cruisy taiwanese beach

Gay men who cruise at a nude beach hideaway in Taipei have fallen victims to robbers and blackmailers.

Gay men in search of activity partners at an abandoned beach resort in Sha Lun Beach in Taipei may find themselves robbed or blackmailed instead.

According to local media reports, blackmailers have recently started to prey on gay men hanging out at the beach dubbed the nation's biggest "nude camp."

The beach in Tamshui Township, Taipei County was until several years ago a regular beach resort open that was open to the public.

Recently, gay men across Taiwan and from abroad begun flocking to the area after the beach has been listed a cruising area by gay websites.

Many men go to the beach to swim and sunbathe, often in the nude. Some may engage in sexual activity in the bushes or inside lookouts that remain on the beach.

The reports mentioned that a single man would usually approach the victim on the beach when he is alone; and when he shows interest, a group of men would appear and threaten to reveal his sexual orientation if he doesn't hand over his valuables immediately.

The victims fearing exposure would usually comply and not report the incidents to the police.

Taiwan