TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taipei District Prosecutor's Office (TPC, 臺北地檢署) on Thursday (Dec. 26) sought a combined sentence of 28 years and 6 months for Ko Wen-je (柯文哲), former Taipei Mayor and chairman of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨), accusing him of accepting bribes and misappropriating political donations.
The prosecutors investigated Ko and 25 others over approximately seven months, keeping Ko in custody for 113 days. The high-profile case has captured public attention. Authorities have concluded their investigation into Ko regarding allegations of bribery and embezzlement. Prosecutors held a press conference at 10 a.m. to detail the charges and the investigation's conclusions, emphasizing the gravity of the offenses.
Five detained defendants, including former Taipei deputy mayor Pong Cheng-sheng (彭振聲), Taipei City Councilor Angela Ying (應曉薇), Core Pacific Group chairman Sheen Ching-jing (沈慶京), and Ko's office director Li Wen-zong (李文宗), were given a final opportunity for defense before the case proceeds to court. The defendants will now face trial.
Ahead of the press conference, Vicky Chen (陳智菡), director of the TPP legislative caucus, urged the prosecutors to clarify the facts and financial transactions involved. She stated, "Ko Wen-je is our chairman," and insisted on releasing Ko if evidence was insufficient.