TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Prosecutors requested an extension of detention for former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) and former Deputy Mayor Pong Cheng-sheng (彭振聲) on Friday (Oct. 25), citing concerns about potential collusion in the Core Pacific City (京華城) case.
The Taipei District Prosecutor's Office (北檢) has interrogated Ko five times and Pong nine times to clarify the flow of bribe money. The Taipei District Court (台北地院) will hold a hearing next week.
Authorities also issued a warrant on Friday for Ko's former secretary, Hsu Chih-yu (許芷瑜), who may have crucial evidence. She left for Japan before the late August search and has not returned. The prosecutor's office requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Bureau of Consular Affairs (外交部領事事務局) to revoke her passport.
The court detained Ko on Sept. 5 for two months. Prosecutors interrogated him multiple times in September and October, ensuring his right to defense. Pong has been in detention since Sept. 1. Prosecutors questioned him extensively regarding potential violations of the "Anti-Corruption Act" (貪污治罪條例) and unexplained public servant assets.
Prosecutors argue that despite Ko no longer holding office, his influence remains significant, posing a risk of tampering with co-conspirators or witnesses. They believe extending detention is crucial to prevent obscuring the case and ensuring effective prosecution.