TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨) issued a statement on Friday (Aug. 30) saying, "Although we do not understand the reasons and necessity for the searches of our central party headquarters and other locations, we will fully cooperate with the investigation and support Chairman Ko (Wen-je) in defending his innocence."
Following allegations of possible corruption, authorities searched TPP Chairman Ko Wen-je's (柯文哲) residence and office Friday (Aug. 30) in connection with the Core Pacific City (京華城) case. The Taiwan Taipei District Prosecutors Office (台北地檢署) and the Agency Against Corruption (廉政署) led the operation, which began early in the morning.
Officials plan to question Ko at the Agency Against Corruption and later transfer him to the Taiwan Taipei District Prosecutors Office for further interrogation. This investigation dates back to Ko's tenure as Taipei mayor, during which he allegedly became involved in the Core Pacific City case.
The TPP urged the authorities to follow the principle of confidentiality in the investigation stating that they should avoid leading the public to premature judgments and harming Ko's reputation.
A day earlier, Ko apologized to supporters and the public at a press conference for unclear financial accounts. He also announced a three-month leave from his position as party chairman to facilitate the investigation.
Observers will closely watch how this investigation unfolds, given its potential implications for Ko Wen-je's political future and the Taiwan People's Party.