Taiwan’s former presidential candidate Ko Wen-je has been charged for allegedly accepting bribes and misusing political donations. Ko was indicted by prosecutors on Thursday following probes into alleged corruption in the redevelopment of a shopping centre in Taipei during his time as mayor of the Taiwanese capital and campaign finance irregularities during his 2024 presidential run.

Ko Wen-je, once a rising star in Taiwanese politics and a presidential contender, was indicted Thursday on corruption charges. The 65-year-old is accused of accepting half a million dollars in bribes involving a real estate dealing during his term as mayor of Taipei, as well as misreporting campaign finances during his run for president in January.

Chairman Ko Wen-je has been indicted on bribery and corruption charges linked to real estate dealings and campaign finance irregularities. Prosecutors seek a 28.5-year prison sentence, alleging NT$93.