Police: Man Gave Up Own Hand for Insurance Money

Give Hu Chi-yang a hand. After all, he needs one after allegedly severing his own to collect on his insurance.

Chi-yang claims, however, that three robbers chopped his hand off, taking his Rolex and a ring when he visited China in November 2011.

The insurers, suspicious of the claim, asked Chinese police to investigate. The investigation revealed that Chi-yang had purchased two insurance policies with about $1 million in total limits in Taiwan shortly before his trip.

Additionally, a knife-shop owner identified Chi-yang as a customer who purchased a meat cleaver. The knife dealer also identified the cleaver that was recovered at the scene of the alleged crime with Chi-yang’s blood on it.

Investigators told the court in Taiwan that there was no scuffle at the location where the robbery supposedly occurred. They also noted that the cut appeared very clean, while blood located at the scene of the crime contained anesthetic.

When questioned by investigators, Chi-yang said he could not recall details about what happened when his hand was severed.

Prosecutors initially recommended his release on $23,000 bail on the insurance-fraud charge, but Chi-yang alleged he had no money. Prosecutors recommended the court keep him in detention. The court, however, reduced the amount of bail, allowing for his release.