Former Taipei Mayor Charged with Bribery and Misuse of Political Donations

Tags: Taiwan Politics, Corruption, Ko Wen-je, Taiwan People’s Party

Bribery Allegations in Property Development

Former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je has been charged by prosecutors for accepting NT$17.1 million (US$522,000) in bribes linked to a major property development project during his tenure as mayor from 2014 to 2022. The case involves approvals granted for a shopping center project in Taipei.

Ko, who came third in the presidential election earlier this year, was arrested in August following raids on his home and party offices. He has denied wrongdoing in the property case but remains in detention.

Misuse of Political Donations

Ko and several members of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), which he founded in 2019, were also charged with misusing over NT$68 million in political donations. Prosecutors allege that these funds were embezzled, and the campaign finances during the presidential campaign were deliberately misreported.

Severe Penalties Requested

Prosecutors have sought a combined sentence of more than 28 years in prison for Ko, citing that he helped a conglomerate gain illegal benefits worth billions of Taiwan dollars. Additionally, Ko is accused of embezzling tens of millions in political contributions.

Impact on Political Career and TPP

The scandals have significantly damaged public support for Ko and the TPP, despite Ko’s prior intentions to run for president again in 2028. Although the TPP holds only eight seats in Taiwan’s 113-member parliament, the party plays a pivotal role as neither the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) nor the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) has a parliamentary majority.

This high-profile case highlights ongoing concerns about corruption and transparency in Taiwan’s political system.