Actor Xiu Jie Kai admits paying almost US$5,000 to fake high blood pressure to evade military service in Taiwan

Taiwanese actor Xiu Jie Kai , who was arrested for alleged military service evasion, has admitted to police that he paid NT$150,000 (around US$4,900) to fake having high blood pressure in an attempt to obtain an exemption from military service.

The 42-year-old, who gained recognition in Singapore after starring in Mediacorp blockbuster Emerald Hill , was among 10 individuals – including actor Chen Bolin and singer Chang Shuwei, a member of noughties boyband Energy – taken into custody for questioning on Tuesday (Oct 21) morning.

This is part of an ongoing investigation into a "military evasion ring”, following February’s probe involving actor Wang Ta Lu.

Since then, authorities have been investigating a syndicate that allegedly helped celebrities dodge mandatory milita