Former Taipei mayor charged for bribery, misuse of political donations

26/12/2024 16:40

Taiwan prosecutors have charged a former mayor of Taipei who heads a small opposition party with accepting T$17.1 million ($522,392) in bribes over a major property development in the capital and misuse of political donations.



Prosecutors asked for a combined total of more than 28 years in prison for Ko Wen-je, saying he had helped a conglomerate "illegally benefit" to the tune of billions of Taiwan dollars. He also embezzled tens of millions in political donations, the Taipei District Prosecutors Office said in a statement on Thursday.

Ko, mayor from 2014 to 2022 and who came third in January's presidential election, was arrested in August after investigators raided his home and party and questioned him for hours.



Reuters was not able to reach Ko for comment, who is currently detained. Ko has previously denied wrongdoing in the property case, which involves approvals given for a shopping centre project when he was mayor.