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Ko Wen-je faces 28.5-year sentence after indictment on bribery and corruption charges

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) Chairman Ko Wen-je has been indicted on bribery and corruption charges linked to real estate dealings and campaign finance irregularities. Prosecutors seek a 28.5-year prison sentence, alleging NT$93.71 million in illicit gains. Ten other individuals were also indicted.

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(Photo: Taiwan's Central News Agency)

Ko Wen-je, chairman of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) and former Taipei mayor, was indicted on 26 December 2024 on charges of bribery, embezzlement, and breach of trust.

The allegations stem from real estate dealings during his mayoral tenure from 2018 to 2022 and irregularities in campaign financing for the 2024 presidential election. Prosecutors are seeking a cumulative sentence of 28.5 years.

According to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office, Ko accepted bribes amounting to NT$17.1 million (US$0.52 million) from the Core Pacific Group in exchange for illegally increasing the floor area ratio (FAR) of its redevelopment projects.

Prosecutors also allege Ko embezzled over NT$68 million in political donations and used a foundation’s funds to pay campaign staff.

Evidence included torn notes found in Ko’s office, suggesting instructions for accomplices to leave Taiwan. Lead prosecutor Kao Yi-shu stated, “Ko violated his vow as a mayor to not accept bribes and instead sought illegal benefits.”

Key figures and charges

In addition to Ko, ten individuals were indicted, including former Taipei Deputy Mayor Pong Cheng-sheng and real estate tycoon Sheen Ching-jing.

  • Sheen Ching-jing, founder of Core Pacific Group, is accused of bribing Taipei city officials to raise property values. Prosecutors seek a 17-year sentence and a fine of NT$33 million for Sheen.
  • Ying Hsiao-wei, a Taipei city councillor, faces a 16.5-year sentence and a NT$50 million fine for bribery and money laundering. Ying allegedly received NT$52.5 million in bribes.
  • Lee Wen-tsung, Ko’s 2024 campaign finance chief, faces 10 years in prison for embezzling campaign donations.
  • Pong Cheng-sheng cooperated with investigators, and prosecutors are recommending a reduced sentence of 3 years.

Two other defendants, Shao Hsiu-pei and Tuanmu Cheng, received lighter sentencing recommendations due to cooperation.

Former secretary Hsu Chih-yu, who fled to Japan in August, is also implicated. Prosecutors issued an arrest warrant, revoked her passport, and are seeking legal assistance for her extradition. Hsu, nicknamed “Orange,” allegedly managed bribes and embezzled funds under Ko’s instructions.

Political implications

The indictment is a significant blow to the TPP, which Ko founded in 2019 as a centrist alternative to Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT). Ko’s January 2024 presidential run garnered 26% of the vote, appealing to younger voters disenchanted with traditional parties.

Since Ko’s detention in August, the TPP has not appointed an acting chairman, raising concerns about its leadership and future viability.

The Core Pacific City redevelopment project has long been controversial. Bribery scandals linked to FAR increases are a recurring issue in Taiwan’s urban development sector. Prosecutors allege Ko’s actions sought to generate billions in illegal profits for Core Pacific while pocketing millions in bribes.

The indictment concludes months of investigation following Ko’s incommunicado detention in August. Prosecutors emphasised Ko’s “poor” attitude during the probe, citing his attempts to conceal evidence, including torn notes found in his office.

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