Taipei Prosecutors Seek Extended Detention for Ex-Mayor’s Aide Amid Corruption Investigation
Introduction: Legal Action in Corruption Case Involving Taipei Redevelopment Project The Taipei District Prosecutors Office has filed a motion to extend the detention of Lee Wen-tsung (李文宗), a top aide to former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲), amid an ongoing investigation into corruption linked to a redevelopment project in Taipei. Lee, who has been in detention since September 29, is facing bribery allegations related to his involvement in lobbying for changes to the redevelopment project. Details of the Motion: Prosecutors Cite Flight Risk and Felony Charges On Friday, prosecutors stated that Lee should remain in custody for an additional two months due to the severity of the corruption charges, which are classified as felonies carrying a minimum prison sentence of five years. The prosecutors' office also expressed concerns that Lee poses a flight risk, given the high-profile nature of the case. The Taipei District Court is scheduled to review the motion next Tuesday. If the motion is approved, Lee’s detention will continue as the investigation into the Core Pacific Group redevelopment project progresses. The court will also decide whether to restrict Lee and his legal team from accessing key documents in the case. Corruption Investigation: Allegations of Bribery and Political Donations The investigation, which began in April, focuses on allegations of real estate dealings related to the Core Pacific Plaza redevelopment project. Prosecutors claim that Sheen Ching-jing (沈慶京), chairman of the Core Pacific Group, paid bribes to city officials, including Lee, to lobby for an increase in the floor area ratio for the redevelopment project, a move that would significantly enhance the financial value of the property. Lee's detention is part of a broader investigation that has already led to the arrest of several individuals. These include Core Pacific Group executives, Taipei City Councilor Ying Hsiao-wei (應曉薇), Ko, and former Taipei Deputy Mayor Pong Cheng-sheng (彭振聲). All of these individuals are currently being held incommunicado, with their detention periods extended between late October and early November. Court Decisions: Bail for Other Key Figures in the Case On the same day, the court granted bail to former Core Pacific Development Co. chairperson Chu Yea-hu (朱亞虎), who had been detained in late September. Chu, who provided investigators with valuable information, was released on NT$2 million (US$61,409) bail. According to court documents, Chu admitted that Sheen instructed him and other executives to transfer NT$300,000 to a Taiwan People's Party (TPP) bank account, allegedly as part of the bribery scheme. Background: The Core Pacific Plaza Redevelopment Project The Core Pacific Plaza redevelopment project, at the heart of the investigation, is located on the site of the former Core Pacific City shopping center in Taipei's Songshan District. The redevelopment aims to build office buildings, with construction having started in October 2022. This project has come under scrutiny due to its connection to alleged bribery and improper lobbying. Former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, who served two terms from 2014 to 2022, has been implicated in the case. Ko, who also founded the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) in 2019, ran for president in the 2024 elections. His involvement in the scandal has attracted significant media attention as the investigation unfolds. Table: Key Individuals in Taipei Corruption Investigation NameRoleStatusLee Wen-tsungFormer Aide to Mayor Ko Wen-jeDetained, Detention Motion PendingKo Wen-jeFormer Taipei Mayor, TPP FounderDetainedSheen Ching-jingCore Pacific Group ChairmanDetainedYing Hsiao-weiTaipei City CouncilorDetainedPong Cheng-shengFormer Taipei Deputy MayorDetainedChu Yea-huFormer Core Pacific Development Co. ChairReleased on NT$2M Bail Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 1. Why is Lee Wen-tsung being detained? Lee is being detained as part of an investigation into bribery related to the Core Pacific Group redevelopment project. Prosecutors allege he played a role in lobbying for favorable changes to the project. 2. How long has Lee been detained? Lee has been in detention since September 29, 2024, and prosecutors have filed a motion to extend his detention for another two months. 3. What are the corruption allegations in the case? The allegations involve bribes paid by Core Pacific Group Chairman Sheen Ching-jing to city officials to secure approvals that would enhance the financial value of the redevelopment project. 4. Who else is involved in the investigation? Several individuals have been detained, including former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, former Deputy Mayor Pong Cheng-sheng, and other executives of the Core Pacific Group. 5. What is the status of the Core Pacific Plaza redevelopment project? The project is being redeveloped into office buildings on the site of the former Core Pacific City shopping center. Construction began in October 2022 and has been at the center of the corruption investigation. Read the full article
