Thu Dec 26 06:05:04 UTC 2024: ## Former Taipei Mayor Indicted on Corruption Charges
**Taipei, Taiwan –** Former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, founder of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) and a recent presidential candidate, was indicted on Thursday on corruption charges, including bribery and embezzlement. Prosecutors allege that Mr. Ko accepted bribes from the Core Pacific City group in exchange for allowing them to circumvent building regulations during his tenure as mayor (2014-2022). The alleged bribes amount to millions of dollars, while the company gained billions in illegal benefits. If convicted on all charges, Mr. Ko faces a potential 28.5-year prison sentence. Mr. Ko, who denies the allegations, launched his political career as a doctor, winning the Taipei mayoral race in 2014. His TPP, although a smaller party, holds influence in the legislature, recently aiding the Kuomingtang in passing controversial laws. Despite placing third in the recent presidential election, Mr. Ko garnered significant support from younger voters.
First Piper 