Ko Wen-je Jailed 17 Years In Taiwan Corruption Case
News Updated: 26 March 2026 15:45 EAT
A Taipei court on Thursday sentenced former city mayor and one-time presidential candidate Ko Wen-je to 17 years in jail
Former Taipei mayor and presidential candidate Ko Wen-je has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after a Taiwanese court found him guilty of corruption and misuse of political donations in a landmark ruling.
The judgment was delivered by the Taipei District Court, which concluded that Ko had engaged in illicit financial dealings during his tenure as mayor and in the course of his political campaigns, marking one of the most significant corruption convictions involving a senior political figure in Taiwan in recent years.
According to prosecutors, the case revolved around allegations that Ko accepted bribes linked to a major urban development project in Taipei, with investigators stating that his decisions in office enabled a private developer to gain substantial financial advantages.
The court heard that Ko received approximately NT$17 million in illicit payments, funds that were allegedly tied to favorable treatment granted during planning approvals and project facilitation processes under the city administration.
In addition to bribery, Ko was convicted of misappropriating political donations, with prosecutors arguing that tens of millions of Taiwan dollars raised during his presidential campaign were diverted for unauthorized uses, in violation of campaign finance regulations.
The court also imposed a six-year suspension of civil rights, effectively barring him from holding public office or participating in elections during that period, further dimming his prospects for a political comeback.
Ko has consistently denied all charges throughout the investigation and trial, maintaining that the accusations were politically motivated and aimed at undermining his influence within Taiwan’s evolving political landscape.
Legal representatives for Ko indicated that an appeal would be filed, setting the stage for a prolonged legal battle that could see the case move through higher courts in the coming months.
Ko is the founder of the Taiwan People’s Party, a relatively new political force that has gained traction among younger voters and has played a pivotal role in shaping parliamentary dynamics by cooperating with opposition blocs.
His conviction is expected to have immediate repercussions for the party, potentially weakening its bargaining power and raising questions about its leadership structure ahead of future elections.
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FELIX MAKONA
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