While many would dread being in prison, it seems Hsu Kaixi found it almost entertaining.
Known as Taiwan’s “Prison Break King”, he successfully escaped the Green Island Prison eight times over his 51-year sentence.
The 75-year-old’s most famous escape took place in 1981 when he donned a wig and women’s clothing to break free.
In a bold move, he called the prison and taunted them: “I’m already in Kaohsiung, stop wasting your energy searching Green Island!”
And you thought these things only happen in drama serials.
Kaixi’s criminal career began at the age of 14 and he was a key figure in a crime syndicate. The group was responsible for robbing over 50 jewellery stores across Taiwan before he was caught and sentenced.
Since his release four years ago, Kaixi has reinvented himself as a social media personality, regularly sharing about life, crime confessions, and of course, his legendary prison escapes on Instagram to over 11k followers.
Usually seen in a cowboy hat, he once contemplated going back into prison as he had a tough time adapting back into society.
“In prison, I didn’t have to worry about food or shelter,” said Kaixi.
He also revealed that he was scammed of NT$3 million (S$123,083) not long after his release.
Of course, there were sweet moments in his life as a free man – Kaixi documented his heartwarming reunion with his two sisters, both of whom are now living in the U.S.
Having not seen them in over 50 years, he admitted he was more nervous about meeting them than any of his escapes.
“This might be the last time I see them in this lifetime,” said Kaixi.