This Thursday, the Taipei District Prosecutors Office (TPC) concluded its investigation into the Core Pacific City and political donation corruption scandals, requesting a total of 28 years and 6 months in prison for former Taipei mayor and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) Chairman Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) for his involvement in the cases.
The TPC determined that Ko violated the Anti-Corruption Act and indicted him for accepting bribes, engaging in profiteering, and embezzling political donations for the TPP. Early in the investigation, Ko was found destroying papers containing instructions to accomplices about fleeing the country and audits of the Muko Public Relations Company, which he used to embezzle donations. They said Ko was also recalcitrant with authorities, describing him as having a poor attitude.
Core Pacific Group Chair Sheen Ching-jing (沈慶京) was also found to have illegally bribed Ko, Taipei City Councilor Angela Ying (應曉薇), and others, in addition to planning to collude with witnesses and otherwise displaying conduct in contempt of court. The TPC has sentenced Sheen to a total of 17 years in prison. Ying, who accepted tens of millions in illegal bribes from Sheen and attempted to flee Taiwan, has received a 16.5-year sentence.
The TPC also determined that former Taipei Deputy Mayor Pong Cheng-sheng (彭振聲) was aware he violated the law and engaged in bribery. However, as he confessed to his crimes, his sentence was reduced to three years. Prosecutors added that during the investigation, they found Ko and Pong may have illegally used discount codes to share profits during the political donation fundraising process. Investigation into this case is ongoing.