TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Ko Wen-je, the former presidential candidate and founder of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), faced serious legal challenges on Thursday, as Taiwanese prosecutors indicted him on corruption charges, including accepting bribes and misusing political donations. The indictment has cast a shadow over Ko's once-promising political career and reignited debates about political integrity and accountability.
Prosecutors have accused Ko of accepting NT$15 million (approximately $459,000) in bribes tied to the Core Pacific City redevelopment project during his term as Taipei's mayor, which lasted from 2014 to 2022. This development, they claim, allowed the developer to benefit illegally by circumventing city building regulations.
“The defendant, Ko, violated his vow as mayor to not accept bribes and abide by our national laws,” lead prosecutor Kao Yi-shu stated. “Instead, Ko intended to help the group obtain billions of dollars in illegal benefits, all the meanwhile collecting millions in bribes.”
If convicted on all charges, which include embezzlement and political malpractice, Ko could face up to 28.5 years in prison. Beyond the allegations concerning Core Pacific City, he is also implicated for embezzling over NT$60 million intended for political donations and misusing approximately NT$8.27 million from his party's social welfare foundation during his presidential campaign.
Though Ko has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, claiming the allegations are merely politically motivated attacks, the TPP has rallied around him, denouncing the indictment as "political persecution." Lin Fu-nan, a TPP central committee member, asserted, “With this kind of abuse of power, the government is being reduced to a political thug.”
Ko's past is as notable as his current troubles. A doctor by profession, he garnered public attention after he was elected mayor of Taipei as an independent candidate supported by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) back in 2014. Known for his bold style and outsider status, he won re-election by a narrow margin four years later, solidifying his reputation as a reformist figure willing to challenge the traditional dominance of Taiwan’s two major political parties.
After exiting the mayoral office, Ko founded TPP in 2019, aiming to disrupt the political pattern established by the long-standing Nationalist Party (Kuomintang) and the DPP. His channels of appeal were clear, especially among young voters. During the 2024 presidential election, his party managed to capture eight seats, giving it significant leverage as neither major party secured a majority.
Unfortunately, Ko’s image took a hit this past year amid growing scrutiny over financial irregularities connected to development projects and his campaign financing. A particularly damning report concerning the Core Pacific City project led to officials investigating potential corruption. Under pressure from these allegations, Ko initially took leave from his role as TPP chairman prior to his eventual indictment.
Investigators also uncovered troubling evidence against him, including torn-up notes from his office containing instructions to accomplices thought to be involved. During his arrest, specific allegations revealed he accepted bribes to approve regulatory changes for the developer Sheen Ching-jing, enabling the latter to gain substantial illegal profits.
While the indictment marks the culmination of months of investigation, observers highlight the broader political ramifications. The ruling DPP, led by President Lai Ching-te, has been accused of utilizing judicial power to suppress opposition. Huang Kuo-chang, another TPP leader, stated, “The indictment relied on vague wording, accusing Ko of bribery without presenting concrete evidence.” He reinforced the contention from TPP members asserting the charges amounted to “a political vendetta” aimed at undermining their party and Ko's influence.
The TPP's survival may hinge on Ko's legal fate. For now, the party has publicly categorized the actions against him as politically charged, vehemently maintaining his innocence and emphasizing the necessity of evidence. With Ko’s recent resignation as chairman sent from prison, it remains uncertain who might lead the TPP going forward and how it will navigate these turbulent waters.
Politicians from across the aisle express diverging views on the situation. Some, like DPP caucus whip Ker Chien-ming, argue for holding all elected officials responsible for any wrongdoing, stating, “If you do not pay back the illicit gains, you will get the maximum prison term.” Meanwhile, Ko's supporters remain optimistic about his resilience and potential comeback, even eyeing future elections.
Whether Ko Wen-je can withstand these challenges remains to be seen. His story is not merely one of corruption allegations but encapsulates the interplay of power, politics, and public trust, serving as yet another chapter within Taiwan's complex democratic narrative.
