In one of the most significant political corruption cases in Taiwan’s recent history, former Taipei mayor and founder of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), Ko Wen-je, was sentenced to 17 years in prison on charges including corruption, embezzlement, illegal profiteering, and breach of trust. The ruling, delivered by the Taipei District Court on Thursday, marks a dramatic fall for a politician who emerged as a major force in Taiwan’s political landscape and contested the 2024 presidential election.
The court also suspended Ko’s civil rights for six years, effectively ending any near-term political ambitions. Under Taiwan’s election laws, individuals sentenced to 10 years or more in prison are barred from running for president, ruling Ko out of contention for the 2028 presidential election.
The case centers on allegations linked to the redevelopment of the Core Pacific City shopping complex and the handling of political donations during Ko’s tenure as mayor and later as a presidential candidate. Prosecutors had sought a combined prison term of 28 years and six months when they formally charged Ko in December last year.
According to the court, evidence gathered from official records, internal government documents, witness testimony, and materials seized during the investigation demonstrated that Ko accepted bribes connected to decisions surrounding the redevelopment project. The court found that funds originating from businessman Sheen Ching-jing and associated executives influenced government decisions that dramatically increased the project’s floor area ratio to as much as 840 percent.
The increase in allowable floor space significantly enhanced the commercial value and profitability of the development. The approvals were granted during Ko’s administration as mayor of Taipei between 2018 and 2022, prosecutors argued.
The court imposed separate sentences for multiple offenses, including 13 years for corruption-related charges, two years for illegal profiteering, three and a half years for embezzlement, and two and a half years for breach of trust. The combined sentence totaled 17 years.
Several other prominent figures were also convicted in connection with the case. Angela Ying, a Taipei City councilor from the Kuomintang (KMT), received a prison sentence of 15 years and six months after being found guilty of accepting bribes and money laundering. She was additionally fined NT$10 million and stripped of her civil rights for six years.
Businessman Sheen was sentenced to 10 years in prison for illegal profiteering and bribing public officials. The court also imposed a NT$20 million fine and revoked his civil rights for five years.
Other individuals sentenced included former Taipei Department of Urban Development head Huang Ching-mao, who received six years and six months in prison; campaign finance manager Lee Wen-tsung, who was sentenced to four years and six months; and former urban planning official Shao Hsiu-pei, who received a suspended sentence of one year and three months. Accountant Tuanmu Cheng was sentenced to one year in prison.
Former deputy mayor Pong Cheng-sheng was convicted of illegal profiteering but received a suspended two-year sentence.
The trial also examined allegations involving political donations and campaign financing tied to Ko’s 2024 presidential campaign. Prosecutors accused him of embezzling political donations, transferring funds improperly to cover campaign expenses, and making false declarations concerning campaign finances.
Despite the convictions, Ko’s legal team announced plans to appeal the ruling, meaning the case will continue through Taiwan’s judicial system. The Taipei District Court’s decision is therefore not yet final.
Following the sentencing, Ko’s lawyers also sought a reduction of the NT$70 million bail he posted and requested the removal of his electronic monitoring device. The court rejected both requests. Similar applications from Sheen and Ying to reduce their bail requirements were also denied. Judges cited the severity of the sentences and ongoing concerns regarding flight risk and possible interference with evidence.
Outside the courthouse, the verdict triggered emotional reactions from both supporters and critics. Approximately 200 TPP supporters gathered near the Taipei District Court, many having traveled from across Taiwan to show solidarity with the former mayor. Chants proclaiming “Ko Wen-je is innocent” echoed through the crowd after the ruling was announced.
Opponents of the former mayor also assembled outside the court, arguing that the convictions demonstrated serious misconduct in public office and that prison time was warranted. Police erected metal barricades to keep the rival groups apart and prevent clashes.
The verdict represents a major development in Taiwan’s anti-corruption efforts and could reshape the country’s political landscape. Once viewed as a political outsider capable of challenging Taiwan’s established parties, Ko now faces a lengthy prison sentence and an uncertain future as he prepares to appeal one of the most consequential corruption convictions involving a Taiwanese political leader in recent years.
By FCCT Editorial Team
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