Former Taipei Mayor and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) Chairman Ko Wen-je has been indicted on multiple charges, including bribery, embezzlement, and breach of trust, in connection with the redevelopment of the Core Pacific City site in Taipei’s Songshan District. Prosecutors allege that Ko accepted bribes to facilitate an illegal increase in the floor area ratio (FAR) for the project, significantly enhancing its value.
🏗️ The Core Pacific City Redevelopment
Core Pacific City, also known as the Living Mall, was a shopping center in Taipei that closed in 2019. The Core Pacific Group planned to redevelop the site into a new complex, Core Pacific Plaza. During Ko’s tenure as mayor, the FAR for the project was increased from 560% to 840%, a move that prosecutors claim was facilitated through bribery. This increase allegedly allowed the developers to gain an additional NT$40 billion (approximately US$1.25 billion) in property value.
💼 Allegations and Legal Proceedings
Prosecutors have charged Ko with accepting NT$17.1 million (US$522,392) in bribes from Core Pacific Group Chairman Sheen Ching-jing to approve the FAR increase. Additionally, Ko and other TPP members are accused of embezzling over NT$68 million in political donations during the 2024 presidential campaign. If convicted on all charges, Ko faces up to 28.5 years in prison.
🧑⚖️ Other Individuals Involved
Several other individuals have been indicted in connection with the case:
- Sheen Ching-jing, Chairman of Core Pacific Group
- Pong Cheng-sheng, former Taipei Deputy Mayor
- Ying Hsiao-wei, Taipei City Councilor
- Lee Wen-tsung, finance chief of Ko’s 2024 election campaign
- Huang Ching-mao, former head of Taipei’s urban development department
- Shao Hsiu-pei, executive secretary at the city government’s Urban Planning Commission
- Tuanmu Cheng, former presidential campaign accountant for the TPP
- Chang Chih-cheng, Core Pacific supervisor
- Wu Shun-min, Ying’s assistant
- Li Wen-chuan, chairperson of MuKo Public Relations
Prosecutors are seeking prison terms ranging from 1 year to 17 years and 4 months for seven of the accomplices.
🏛️ Political Implications
Ko’s indictment has significant political ramifications. As the founder of the TPP, a party positioned as an alternative to Taiwan’s two major parties, Ko’s legal troubles could impact the party’s credibility and future electoral prospects. The TPP has denied the charges, claiming political persecution.
🔍 FAQs
What is the floor area ratio (FAR)?
The FAR is the ratio of a building’s total floor area to the size of the land upon which it is built. Increasing the FAR allows developers to build larger structures, thereby increasing the property’s value.
Why is the FAR increase in this case controversial?
The FAR for the Core Pacific City redevelopment was increased from 560% to 840%, which is significantly higher than the typical 130-150% granted in urban renewal projects. This unprecedented increase raised suspicions of corruption.
What are the potential consequences for Ko Wen-je?
If convicted on all charges, Ko could face up to 28.5 years in prison. The charges also threaten his political career and the reputation of the TPP.
