Taiwanese prosecutors have charged Ko Wen-je, the former mayor of Taipei and leader of the small opposition Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), with accepting bribes amounting to T$17.1 million ($522,392) and misusing political donations.
Prosecutors have requested a combined sentence of over 28 years in prison, alleging Ko facilitated illegal benefits worth billions of Taiwan dollars for a conglomerate during his tenure as mayor. Additionally, Ko is accused of embezzling tens of millions in political donations, according to a statement released by the Taipei District Prosecutors Office.
Ko, who served as mayor from 2014 to 2022 and came third in January’s presidential election, was arrested in August following a raid on his home and party headquarters. He remains in detention, and his legal team has not provided a comment. Ko has previously denied allegations related to a shopping center project approved during his mayoral term.
The TPP, founded by Ko, has labeled the charges as “political prosecution,” arguing that prosecutors have not presented solid evidence. The party maintains that Ko did not embezzle any donations and insists funds were utilized in compliance with Taiwan’s laws.
Ko and several TPP members are also accused of misreporting campaign funds and embezzling over T$68 million in political donations.
Despite aspirations for a potential presidential bid in 2028, these allegations have significantly damaged Ko’s public image and weakened support for the TPP. Founded in 2019 to establish a third political force in Taiwan, the TPP currently holds eight seats in the 113-seat parliament, playing a pivotal role as no single party holds a majority.
