Taiwanese prosecutors on Thursday indicted Ko Wen-je, former mayor of Taipei and leader of the Taiwan People’s Party ( TPP ), on multiple charges of corruption, misuse of political donations, and breach of trust.
A total statement of 28 years and six months in jail is being sought by the prosecution.
Allegations of corruption
Ko, who served as mayor from 2014 to 2022 and placed third in January’s presidential election, is accused of accepting NT$ 15 million ($ 459, 000 ) in bribes related to the redevelopment of Core Pacific City. Prosecutors allege that he approved regulatory changes that helped developer Sheen Ching-jing and made it possible for the company to obtain illegal gains exceeding NT$ 20 billion ($ 625 million ) through illegal controls.
Ko is even accused of using NT$ 8.27 million from a social security basis to fund his presidential campaign and embezzling over NT$$ 60 million in political donations to his group.
During the analysis, prosecution discovered torn-up papers in Ko’s company, which they allege contained guidance for partners to flee the country. Direct attorney Kao Yi-shu criticised Ko’s “poor post-offence mindset” and vowed to hold him accountable.
Ko, detained since September, has denied any wrongdoing in the home situation. His group, the TPP, called the claims “politically motivated”, accusing the government of attacking judicial authority to target social opponents.
The Taiwan People’s Party, founded by Ko in 2019, aimed to destroy the classic two-party dominance of Chinese elections. Despite its small dimensions, the TPP wields control as a legislative functionary, usually coordinating with the Kuomintang.
In the wake of the controversies, Ko’s standing as a reformer lawmaker has fallen. According to opinion polls, Ko’s probable presidential bid in 2028 is in jeopardized by declining public support for both he and the TPP.
Critics have viewed the indictment as a part of a larger conflict in Taiwan’s divided social environment. Although it denies any disturbance in the case, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party has been accused of using the courts to undermine opposition causes.
