Taiwanese Politician Ko Wen-je Accused of Bribery and Misappropriation of Public Funds, Prosecutors Seek 28.5-Year Sentence

The Taipei District Prosecutors Office (North District Prosecutors Office) concluded its investigation into the Jinghua City case and political donation case on December 26. At a briefing held at 10 a.m. today, the prosecution officially filed charges against 11 defendants including Ko Wen-je. The prosecutors allege that Ko Wen-je accepted bribes and misappropriated political donations, seeking a total of 28 years and 6 months imprisonment from the court.

Here is a summary of the press release from the Taipei District Prosecutors Office:

Regarding the Jinghua City illegal floor area ratio incentive case:
– Defendants Ko Wen-je, Li O-zong, Peng O-sheng, Huang O-mao, Shao O-pei, Shen O-jing, Ying O-wei, Wu O-min, Zhang O-cheng, a total of 9 individuals, have been charged.
– Allegations include bribery, abuse of power, and favoritism in supervising affairs.
– Some defendants were charged with money laundering offenses.

Other defendants including Zhu O-hu and Chen O-yuan were given suspended prosecution arrangements due to insufficient evidence of crimes.

Regarding the political donation embezzlement case:
– Defendants Ko Wen-je, Li O-zong, Li O-juan, a total of 3 individuals, have been charged with embezzlement and using political donations unlawfully.
– Various amounts were allegedly misused for personal financial gains and investments in profit-making businesses.

Regarding the diversion of funds from the Public Expectation Foundation to pay campaign workers:
– Defendants Ko Wen-je and Li O-zong were both prosecuted for breach of trust.

Regarding the false declaration of Ko Wen-je’s political donation account:
– Defendant Duan O-mu was prosecuted for filing false documents.

The prosecution also detailed how defendants were involved in schemes to benefit from illegal gains, including accepting bribes, misusing political donations, and manipulating the system for personal gain. The court was urged to impose severe penalties in line with the gravity of the crimes committed.

In addition, the prosecution revealed ongoing investigations into additional charges, including money laundering and potential violations of investigation confidentiality. Efforts to locate and bring back a defendant currently abroad, as well as measures to ensure justice and accountability, were also highlighted as part of the ongoing legal proceedings.