TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Prosecutors continued their probe Tuesday (Sept. 9) into the Core Pacific City corruption scandal (京華城案), one day after former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) secured release on NT$70 million (around US$2.3 million) bail. The investigation resumed following Ko's 363-day detention on corruption allegations. Ko's attorney, Cheng Shen-yuan (鄭深元), argued that testimony from former Urban Planning Committee member Hsu Kuo-cheng (徐國城) supports his client's case.
Defense attorney Cheng stressed that only two witnesses, including Hsu, await questioning in the ongoing investigation. Hsu's testimony became crucial evidence supporting Ko's bail application. The former committee member had questioned the legality of floor area incentives during an Oct. 12, 2020, expert consultation meeting. Prosecutors acknowledged Hsu's concerns that the Core Pacific City project improperly sought urban renewal incentives despite lacking proper designation.
Prosecutors also summoned former Department of Urban Development Director Huang Ching-mao (黃景茂) and Wei Ching Group Chairman Shen Ching-ching (沈慶京) for Tuesday's questioning. Following his Monday release, Ko launched a scathing attack on President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) outside the Taipei District Prosecutors Office (台北地檢署), Taiwan's main prosecution headquarters. Ko accused the president of dividing Taiwan and questioned prosecutors' grasp of municipal governance, insisting civil servants followed proper procedures.
The Taipei District Prosecutors Office swiftly rejected Ko's claims, accusing the former mayor of deliberately misleading public opinion about the corruption investigation. Prosecutors announced their intention to appeal the bail decision, signaling continued legal battles ahead. The heated exchange underscored the political tensions surrounding one of Taiwan's most closely watched corruption cases. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$30.3)