Former Taipei mayor arrested in Taiwan corruption probe – Philippine Canadian Inquirer

Anadolu, Philippine news agency

The agency also interviewed Taipei Deputy Mayor Pong Cheng-sheng, Ko's wife Chen Pei-chi and Pong's wife. (File photo: Lisanto 李奕良/Unsplash)

ANKARA – The former mayor of Taipei and current chairman of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) was arrested by Taiwan’s anti-corruption agency early Saturday in connection with an alleged corruption case.

“In order to further restrict Chairman Ko Wen-je's personal freedom, the prosecutor arrested the chairman at 2 a.m.,” the TPP said in a statement posted on Facebook.

As Focus Taiwan reported, Ko and three others were questioned by the anti-corruption agency on Friday over alleged corruption related to the redevelopment of the Core Pacific City shopping mall.

The agency also interviewed Taipei Deputy Mayor Pong Cheng-sheng, Ko's wife Chen Pei-chi and Pong's wife.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Ko denied any wrongdoing and assured: “I know I have no problem.”

He called on the authorities to present the evidence against him.

The TPP has accused authorities of raiding Ko's home and party office and interrogating him for hours. The party expressed its support for Ko and criticized the prosecutor's methods.

“The Taiwan People's Party fully supports Chairman Ko Wen-je, defends his right to a fair trial and opposes the lengthy questioning by the prosecution,” the party said in a statement, calling on the court to carefully examine the legality of the arrest. (Analog)