Lewis Potter, a 25-year-old dance instructor from Liverpool, has been detained in Taiwan after an item was allegedly discovered in his suitcase. He was apprehended by authorities shortly after arriving in the country last month, leaving his family desperately seeking answers.
Family's nightmare
His mother, Erin Potter, from Fife, said: "As a family, we are heartbroken. We are extremely close, and having Lewis so far away has left a huge hole in our lives. For over a month, we had no contact with him and didn't know what had happened."
She added: "The uncertainty, the language barrier and the seven-hour time difference have made this one of the most difficult experiences our family has ever faced. Every day has felt like a nightmare, and all we want is to know that our son is safe and to give him the best possible chance of getting through this."
Allegations and claims
Lewis, a former pupil at Liverpool Theatre School and instructor at LP Creative, maintains he had no knowledge of what he was carrying. According to his mother, he had originally planned to travel to Taiwan with a friend, but the friend pulled out shortly before the trip and asked Lewis to take his suitcase instead.
"Lewis says this was someone he trusted, and he had no reason to believe there was anything wrong with the suitcase," Erin said. "His case is currently under investigation, and he is receiving legal representation as the legal process continues."
Legal and financial challenges
After weeks of searching for answers, the family was able to appoint a lawyer in Taiwan who met with Lewis. Until then, no one had been able to speak to him, including the British Embassy. The family had to pay for the lawyer themselves.
Legal representation is expected to cost around £12,000, with £6,000 needed during the investigation and a further £6,000 if the case goes to court. Additional costs include translation services, communication, supporting Lewis during detention, and flights to Taiwan if necessary.
Crowdfunding appeal
The family has launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover legal costs. Erin said: "Every penny raised will go directly towards supporting Lewis and giving him the strongest legal representation possible during this incredibly difficult time."
As of now, the campaign has raised over £1,200. A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: "We are supporting the family of a British national detained in Taiwan and are in contact with the local authorities."
