Ko Wen-je, once a rising star in Taiwanese politics and a presidential contender, was indicted Thursday on corruption charges. The 65-year-old is accused of accepting half a million dollars in bribes involving a real estate dealing during his term as mayor of Taipei, as well as misreporting campaign finances during his run for president in January.

The prosecutors asserted that Ko Wen-je, a former mayor, took bribes. He and his supporters have maintained that the charges are a political vendetta.

Ko Wen-je, former Taipei mayor and Taiwan People's Party founder, faces corruption charges, accused of accepting bribes linked to real estate while in office. If convicted, he could be sentenced to 28.

The leader of the Taiwan People’s Party, who made clean governance a key part of his appeal to voters, is accused of taking bribes.

Taiwan prosecutors on Thursday indicted former presidential candidate Ko Wen-je on charges of corruption and misusing political donations and said they were seeking 28 years' jail for him.

Ko Wen-je, who also has experience as a doctor, entered the political scene to win Taipei's 2014 mayoral race. He served two terms from 2014 to 2022. He is being accused of accepting bribes during his time as mayor of the island's capital.

Prosecutors in Taiwan indicted former presidential candidate and Taiwan People’s Party founder Ko Wen-je on corruption charges, accusing him of taking bribes during his time as mayor of Taiwan’s capital.

Ko Wen-je, a former Taiwanese presidential candidate, has been indicted on corruption charges tied to multiple scandals, including a property redevelopment project during his tenure as Taipei mayor.

With the charging of former Taipei Mayor and 2024 presidential candidate Ko Wen-je on corruption charges, TaiwanPlus spoke to Taipei-based attorney Colin Wu about the charges and how the case might move forward.

Taipei City Councilor Chen Chong-wen has been sentenced to nine years in prison for corruption, fined and stripped of his right to hold public office for six years after finishing his sentence. Chen and his associates were found guilty of illegally profiting from a city welfare scheme.